3.3.5. Robotic Total Stations

Another advancement in Total Station is the emergence of Robotic Total Station (RTS) which is able to follow a prism horizontally and vertically through servomotor in the instrument.

Robotic Total Stations are an improvement over traditional Total Stations. They come equipped with servomotors that allow them to track a prism both horizontally and vertically. This means that as the prism moves during surveying, the RTS can automatically adjust its position to stay aligned with the prism. This capability significantly streamlines the surveying process, as the instrument can follow the target without manual adjustments.

Imagine a basketball player who has a coach that follows their every move on the court. Just like the coach adjusts their position to always have a clear view of the player, the Robotic Total Station adjusts itself to keep the prism in focus, making it easier and faster to record the measurements.

These RTSs are expensive as they have more sensors in the device as well as prism. These sensors make the instrument to work in robotic mode.

Robotic Total Stations incorporate advanced sensors that facilitate their ability to operate in robotic mode. These sensors detect the position of the prism and relay that information to the servomotors, which then adjust the instrument's alignment accordingly. Due to these additional features and functionalities, Robotic Total Stations tend to be more costly than traditional Total Stations.

Think of it like a high-tech camera that can follow a moving subject automatically. Just like how the camera adjusts its lens and angle to keep the person in the frame as they move, the Robotic Total Station uses sensors to keep the prism in the correct position for accurate measurements.

With this instrument, just one person is required to carry out the entire survey.

One of the main advantages of a Robotic Total Station is that it allows a single surveyor to perform tasks that would usually require multiple people. Traditionally, surveying often necessitated one person to operate the Total Station and another to hold the prism at the target point. However, with the RTS, the control of the instrument can be done from the prism side using a remote controller, enabling one individual to manage the entire surveying process.

Consider it like a drone pilot who operates the drone remotely. Instead of needing a team to manage the drone's flight and capture images, a skilled pilot can do it all alone, efficiently covering more ground without additional personnel.

Total Stations are used to increase the productivity for topographic surveying, to set out bridges, dams, canal, houses or boundaries.

Robotic Total Stations are utilized in a wide variety of applications, enhancing productivity and efficiency in surveying. Their capabilities make them ideal for complex tasks like topographic surveying, as well as for setting out constructions like bridges, dams, canals, and property boundaries. The precision and automated tracking capabilities of RTS greatly contribute to the accuracy of these tasks, ensuring better project outcomes.

Imagine a chef in a busy kitchen. Instead of needing several assistants to help when preparing a large order, the chef has a sophisticated robot that can chop, stir, and measure ingredients simultaneously. Just like the robot increases the chef's productivity and efficiency, the Robotic Total Station boosts a surveyor's work, allowing them to accomplish more without needing additional help.

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