A device for orientating a sensor probe relative to the 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, 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, pressure means able to move and generate a force on the moving support element in predetermined direction so as to press the sensor probe against the work surface, in which the sensor probe comprising a single convex external sensing surface suitable for being placed in contact with the work surface, the sensing surface having a single equilibrium contact point, the equilibrium contact point being the point on the sensing surface closest to the point of articulation.