What is a Robotic Total Station and How Do they Work?

One of the most revolutionary tools created recently for land surveying is the robotic total station. With various innovations made in surveying in recent years, this one is by far the most significant one as it is able to combine the outstanding precision of a traditional total station with automation. These types of tools have helped to lift modern surveying to a higher level as they are capable of performing more efficiently and with greater accuracy than other similar types of tools.

What Is a Robotic Total Station?

A robotic total station works very similarly to a traditional total station, except that it offers the benefit of remote operation. Instead of having a traditional setup of a surveyor and an assistant, a robotic total station can be operated only by a single person. More so, it can make various calculations and do them faster than a traditional total station. 

The instrument is also capable of communicating with surveying software that allows for real-time data collection and even enables on-the-fly adjustments. This helps to improve the decision-making process during a survey. All of the capabilities that a robotic total station offers are perfect for large-scale construction projects and infrastructure development.

How Does a Robotic Total Station Work?

To start a survey with a robotic total station, a built-in or remote controller first needs to be mounted on a tripod. This is your control station. From there, surveyors need to set coordinates (control lines), add environmental conditions such as elevations, the distance between the prism and the ground, and reflector height, and perform some additional settings.

Then, a telescope is pointed toward the direction where a surveyor plans to make measurements. Next, they need to take a prism pole and set it at the place where they intend to measure by clearly pointing the reflector toward the total station. This way, surveyors can remotely command the station and start making measurements.

The robotic total station will start to spin from the station point. The optic lens will start scanning the surroundings and look for the reflector from the prism pole. After it detects it, the telescope will then lock to the surveyor’s position.

The controller from the prism pole will then ask the surveyor to select the measurements, allowing them to control the station from the spot they are standing in. The robotic total then calculates and logs all the data while transiting all of them to the surveyor holding the pole at the other end.

Advantages of Robotic Total Station

A robotic total station has various advantages when compared to a manual total station. Knowing all of these will more than likely prompt you to make a switch, but it will still depend on the work you are doing and how often you need it.

Precision and Accuracy

Each surveying project requires pinpoint accuracy. Robotic total stations are perfect for those who want exact data. A robotic total station accuracy is unmatched compared to other tools as it features electronic theodolites and EDM systems. These can measure angles and distances with high accuracy and precision, helping to bring any errors to a minimum.

Efficiency and Time Consumption

Traditional surveying often requires the use of multiple people present doing work on the same project. With a robotic total station, a single surveyor can do just as good a job as multiple ones can. The remote control functionality allows a professional surveyor to finish the task alone and with ease. The process allows for savings in resources and time.

Safety on the Field

Robotic total stations actually help to increase safety during a survey. Prioritizing safety during a survey is one of the most important things that a surveyor must have in mind. A robotic total station will minimize the need for a surveyor to move too much through the terrain, especially if it is rough or hazardous. They can operate everything remotely from a safer vantage point while completing the job with ease.

Seamless Data Integration

Data integration and compatibility are critical aspects in the modern and digital age that we are currently living in. For that reason, robotic total stations come with the ability to integrate into various types of designs and software. It helps to enhance project coordination and helps to facilitate real-time decision-making based on the current situation in the field.

Difference Between Total Station and Robotic Total Station

There are several aspects and differences when comparing robotic total stations to manual ones. Both of them actually have their own advantages and shortcomings. So it is always better to consider them all before making a choice and deciding whether you actually need a robotic total station.

Applications of Robotic Total Stations

There are several aspects and uses where robotic total stations thrive. While they are very accurate and allow us to finish certain jobs faster, there are several types of surveys and applications where their capabilities are much more advantageous than in other situations. These are:

• Land Surveying and Mapping: Can collect data efficiently from large areas. The automated capabilities allow surveyors to cover more ground faster, whilst creating accurate topographic maps.

• Construction Site Layout: These types of instruments can determine the locations of key points like walls, foundation corners, utilities, and other important elements. More so, with the help of remote control, the process is made much simpler while reducing time and effort for layout tasks.

• Monitoring Structural Deformation: Robotic total stations are perfect for monitoring structural deformations in structures like buildings, bridges, and various types of infrastructure. After establishing precise reference points and measuring deviations, they can help to detect any shifts that may indicate some structural issues. Allowing for timely interventions to be made. 

Choosing the Right Robotic Total Station

If you have made the decision and really want to get a robotic total station, there are several factors that you should follow to pick the collect one.

1. Accuracy and range: Robotic total stations excel when it comes to accuracy. However, different models offer varying levels of accuracy. You are going to need to assess the requirements of the project that you are planning on doing and pick the one based on the accuracy required for it.

2. Ease of use: The usability of the device is determined based on the user interface and the operating software. Be sure to pick a mode with an intuitive and user-friendly interface.

3. Battery life: Stations with better battery life enable prolonged hours of work. If you plan on working longer or on bigger projects, then you have to make sure that the battery ic capable of sustaining prolonged working hours.

4. Data Compatibility: Make sure that the data formats are compatible with the instruments that you are using for further analysis.

5. Durability: If you happen to be working in potentially rugged environments, you have to pick a station with an adequate durability level.

FAQ

For further information, consider the following questions.

What is a robotic total station used for?

A Robotic Total Station (RTS) is a sophisticated electronic/optical instrument used primarily in surveying and construction to measure distances, angles, and slopes with high precision. It combines an electronic theodolite and electronic distance measurement (EDM) capabilities, allowing for automated operation and real-time data collection.

What does a robotic total station do?

A Robotic Total Station is designed to measure distances, angles, and slopes with high precision, offering remote operation capabilities that allow a single person to perform tasks that typically require two people.

How to use a robotic total station?

Using a robotic total station involves several key steps: setting up and leveling the instrument, configuring target settings, and selecting measurement modes to ensure accurate data collection. The process includes powering on, checking battery levels, and ensuring safety precautions are followed, followed by centering and leveling the instrument. Once set up, the total station can be operated remotely to efficiently collect precise measurements of distances and angles, streamlining surveying tasks in construction and land mapping applications.

What are the 4 types of total stations?

There are four primary types of total stations: Scanning Total Stations, Robotic Total Stations, Autolock Total Stations, and Mechanical Stationary Total Stations. These categories reflect different functionalities and automation levels, each suited to specific surveying needs.