Precision electronic and optoelectronic angle measurements: a review of performance, challenges, and innovative advancements

Abstract Angle measurement serves as a foundational technology in the field of precision measurement and control, playing an indispensable role in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, precision detection and large-scale structural health monitoring. As measurement technology continues to advance, there is an increasing demand for complexity, accuracy, and long-term stability. Angle measurement technology continues to evolve to address these complex application challenges. This review systematically analyses two categories of angle measurement methods: electronic measurement methods and optoelectronic measurement methods. Following the ‘method-problem-solution’ framework, the performance characteristics of both categories are systematically analysed. Electronic methods, capitalising on their high integration and low cost, achieve large-scale application, while optoelectronic methods excel in ultra-high precision and multi-degree-of-freedom measurement. With the aim of offering intuitive technical selection guidance, this paper provides a performance classification map and dedicated parameter tables for each technology. Concurrently, addressing the aforementioned challenges, we summarise the latest solutions including structural innovations, principle improvements, and integration techniques. This is intended to furnish researchers and practitioners with clear knowledge consolidation and references for technical selection in both engineering practice and scientific research.