Early Maptek R&D efforts into laser scanning in the late 1990s were triggered by a collaboration with the defence industry... and the initial device was housed in the back of a small van! Dramatic advances in robotics and automation have seen massive shrinkage in machine size alongside significant increases in computer system complexity for control, sensory feedback and information processing. Maptek Technical Specialist Jordan Herrmann will explore the current state of smart sensing technologies and the future scope for hardware-software integration for adding value in the mining and civil markets.