What you need to know about robotic total stations

You need to know about robotic total stations because these instruments can benefit contractors and engineers. With their high-speed, precise measurements, the robotic total station has the potential to improve efficiency and quality while reducing rework.

There are many advantages to using a robotic total station. It saves time, money, and resources and is capable of much more than the average total station. However, before investing in a robotic total station, consider a few factors to ensure you get the most value from your purchase. Let’s take a look at a few of them. Listed below are some of the best options on the market today.

Atmospheric constant

The Atmospheric constant, or AC, is one of the most important factors when purchasing a robotic total station. It is essential for accurate measurements of angles and distances. These devices are often used by construction and surveying professionals. These devices provide a high degree of accuracy in laying out new construction or remodeling an existing one. ATCs are an excellent option for these purposes. 

Frequency of measurement

Also, consider the frequency of measurement. While standard robotic total stations do not provide the capability for high-frequency EDM measurements, you can opt for a device that allows for these measurements. Some models, like Leica Geosystems MS50 and MS60 Multi Stations, can measure up to 1000Hz. So, consider your measurement frequency, and you might be surprised by the result. So, keep that in mind when you’re purchasing a robotic total station.

Remote operation

If you’re looking to purchase a robotic total station, you need to consider features such as remote operation and an integrated camera. Remote operation can be a huge advantage, as it frees up your team to focus on other tasks. And remember that remote operation saves money because you won’t need an additional person on-site to use your new robotic total station, and it also cuts down on the need for rework or wastage.

Accuracy

The accuracy of robotic total stations is an important part of robot precision and control. Total stations must be synchronized with a central clock to give the robot real-time position updates to perform precise measurements. Accuracy is also critical in long-range tracking, where a total station is far from the robot, and long-range radio.

While total stations have high accuracy in some applications, they are not as accurate as in the RTK solution. The total station system suffers from a higher error spread than the RTK solution because of the improper inter-prism distance 1-2, influenced by the robot’s acceleration. 

The Accuracy of Robotic Total Stations is also higher than the accuracy of manual total stations, which is often the case in the case of hand-held instruments. These instruments measure a millimetre and have superior distance and angle capabilities. They require less manpower and reduce rework. They also offer greater accuracy, incredible speed, and better consistency. And, of course, they’re more affordable than the mechanical total stations. You may visit the manufacturer’s website to learn more about Bench Mark robotic total stations here.

Cost

When evaluating the cost of buying a Robotic Total Station, it is best to consider the number of checks per minute. Higher checks per minute mean higher productivity, which means less rework. One major construction firm in Hawaii chose to test the Robotic Total Station, and the results were spectacular. The firm’s precision was surprisingly high: the Robotic Total Stations accurately measured the placement of dowels in precasting components, and a prefabricated panel was plugged into it. However, the firm built in a contingency for dowels.

Robotic total stations also reduce human errors. A construction company using a robotic total station saw a 600 percent increase in productivity after using one. Human errors in building plans are significantly reduced; the system catches human mistakes, saving time and money. It can save a company a lot of money, and the investment pays for itself quickly. But you must realize that the cost of robotic total stations is still higher than its benefits. Consider these factors when calculating the cost of robotic total stations.