A robotic total station allows a single surveyor to operate the instrument remotely from the prism pole. The unit uses internal motors and tracking sensors to lock onto the prism, turning automatically as the surveyor walks the site. This eliminates the need for a dedicated instrument operator at the tripod, drastically speeding up topographic surveys and construction layout.
Heard on the job
I'll grab the robot and set up on control point five while you start driving hubs.
Insider tip
When working near reflective road signs or high-visibility vests, the robot can sometimes lose lock on the prism and try to track the false reflection instead.
Also heard as
- robotic total station
- RTS