Coordinate Measuring Arms are redundant measuring devices that are widely used today. Therefore, this paper presents a solution of the problem of online estimation of accuracy of measurements done on coordinate measuring arms. This paper shows the metrological model called Virtual Coordinate Measuring Arm. It is composed of a kinematic model of arm, created using the Denavit–Hartenberg convention connected with PC-DMIS measuring software and usage of Monte Carlo method. Verification tests done according to VDI/VDE 2617–7 guideline show that the created model is working properly. Also the comparison of results of measurements done on real Coordinate Measuring Arm and simulated by the created model proves correctness of the model. The metrological model of Virtual Coordinate Measuring Arm can be a breakthrough in the use of the coordinate measuring arms in quality assurance systems in production.

Industry 4.0 represents a new paradigm which creates new requirements in the area of manufacturing and manufacturing metrology such as to reduce the cost of product, flexibility, mass customization, quality of product, high level of digitalization, optimization, etc., all of which contribute to smart manufacturing and smart metrology systems. This paper presents a developed inspection planning system based on CMM as support of the smart metrology within Industry 4.0 or manufacturing metrology 4.0 (MM4.0). The system is based on the application of three AI techniques such as engineering ontology (EO), GA and ants colony optimization (ACO). The developed system consists of: the ontological knowledge base; the mathematical model for generating strategy of initial MP; the model of analysis and optimization of workpiece setups and probe configuration; the path simulation model in MatLab, PTC Creo and STEP-NC Machine software, and the model of optimization MP by applying ACO. The advantage of the model is its suitability for monitoring of the measurement process and digitalization of the measurement process planning, simulation carried out and measurement verification based on CMM, reduction of the preparatory measurement time as early as in the inspection planning phase and minimizing human involvement or human errors through intelligent planning, which directly influences increased production efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity of enterprises. The measuring experiment was performed using a machined prismatic workpiece (PW).

The following article examines the methodology of identifying and modeling kinematic errors of coordinate measuring machines with the use of a modern and precise interferometric system—the LaserTracer. Since the kinematic errors of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are by far the most prevalent factor in measurement uncertainty, a specially developed model could be used for efficient uncertainty evaluation as an additional module of the virtual measuring machine responsible for simulation of the CMM kinematic errors. The model could also be of use for determining optimal measurement strategy, and would potentially improve the uncertainty of measurements performed.