It can be used for pattern inspection, tool inspection, and reverse engineering. The FARO arm can gather point data in 3D space within a 8 ft. sphere.  The point data can then be used to create a 3D model. It consists of three articulating arms with a probe on the end of one arm.  The probe is used to collect the point data.  

There is a button on the FARO arm and each time it is pushed it creates a point where ever the probe is resting.  It can also be set up so that as the probe is moved along a surface, points are created at a certain distance apart.  With this part there are many complex shapes.