Orientation device for orientating a sensor probe

An orientation device for orientating a sensor probe relative to a local normal vector of a work surface, the device comprising:

• a frame,
• a moving support element linked to the frame and able to slide in a predetermined direction relative to the frame,
• a sensor probe able to pivot on an axis of rotation not parallel to the predetermined direction relative to a point of articulation of the support element, and
• pressure means able to move and generate a force on the moving support element in said predetermined direction so as to press the sensor probe against the work surface, wherein the sensor probe comprises a single convex external sensing surface able to be placed in contact with the work surface, the sensing surface having a single equilibrium contact point, the equilibrium contact point being a point on the sensing surface closest to the point of articulation, the point of articulation being off-center relative to the center of curvature of the sensing surface at a level of the equilibrium contact point.