Robotic Vs Mechanical Total Stations

Mechanical and robotic total stations are both valuable tools used in surveying and construction projects, although they differ in terms of functionality and automation. Deciding which is right for you requires understanding the differences in the job at hand.

SEP offer a wide range of robotic and mechanical total stations from leading manufacturers, both new and reconditioned. We’re here to talk you through the differences, guiding you on the best surveying equipment for your application.

Let’s first briefly outline the main differences between mechanical and robotic total stations:

Mechanical total stations are traditional surveying instruments that require manual operation. They consist of a theodolite, which measures horizontal and vertical angles, and a distance meter, which measures distances to specific points. To use a mechanical total station, a surveyor must manually adjust the instrument’s position and take readings by looking through the eyepiece. This process can be time-consuming and requires skilled personnel to operate the equipment effectively.

On the other hand, robotic total stations are advanced devices equipped with motorised systems and automation features. These stations combine the functions of a total station with a robotic mount and a remote control system. The robotic mount enables the instrument to automatically rotate and target specific points, while the remote control system allows the surveyor to operate the total station from a distance. This automation significantly increases efficiency and productivity by reducing the need for manual adjustments and constant monitoring by the surveyor.

Feature	Mechanical Total Stations	Robotic Total Stations
Points/productivity	Typically 300-600 points per day	Higher scope, often 800-1500+ points per day
Accuracy	High but dependent on operator experience	High and supported by precision automations
Cost	Lower investment	Higher investment
Operators	Team of two	Single surveyor
Automation	Limited to basic functions	Extensive, featuring remote control and precision tracking
Durability	High and low maintenance mechanisms	High but with more complex internal systems

 

Robotic total stations are well-suited for a wide range of applications in surveying, construction, and engineering projects. Here are some of the key areas where robotic total stations excel:

• Construction Layout: Robotic total stations are highly efficient for construction layout tasks. They can quickly and accurately determine the positions and alignments of critical points on a construction site, such as foundation corners, columns, walls, and other key reference points. The ability to remotely control the instrument and automate the targeting process significantly speeds up layout operations.
• Topographic Surveys: They are ideal for conducting topographic surveys, which involve mapping the contours, elevations, and features of a piece of land. They can be used to measure and record multiple points across a large area, capturing detailed data for creating accurate topographic maps.
• Road and Infrastructure Projects: Robotic total stations are commonly used in road and infrastructure construction projects. They can efficiently layout road alignments, establish control points, measure cross-sections, and monitor the progress of earthwork operations. The ability to remotely control the instrument and set up multiple targets along the project site makes them particularly useful for large-scale road and infrastructure projects.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM): They play a crucial role in BIM workflows. They can be used to capture precise measurements and collect data for generating 3D models of existing structures or for verifying the accuracy of constructed elements against the BIM design. The automation features and high accuracy of robotic total stations contribute to the reliability of the collected data for BIM integration.
• Monitoring and Deformation Analysis: Robotic total stations are employed for monitoring purposes in applications such as structural deformation analysis, mining operations, and environmental monitoring. They can be set up for long-term monitoring of specific points, providing continuous data on movements, shifts, or changes in structures or natural environments.

Overall, the automation, accuracy, and remote control capabilities of robotic total stations make them indispensable tools for a wide range of applications, improving efficiency, productivity, and precision in surveying and construction projects.

While robotic total stations offer advanced automation and remote control capabilities, mechanical total stations still have their place in certain applications. Here are some areas where mechanical total stations are well-suited:

• Small-Scale Surveys: Mechanical total stations can be a suitable choice for smaller surveying projects that don’t require extensive automation or remote control. These instruments are often more affordable compared to robotic total stations and can provide accurate measurements for smaller areas or localized surveys.
• Boundary Surveys: Mechanical total stations are commonly used for boundary surveys, where the focus is on establishing property lines and boundaries. These surveys typically involve measuring angles and distances between property corners or markers. The manual operation of these tools allows surveyors to precisely target specific points and ensure accurate boundary determinations.
• Training and Education: They are often used in training and educational settings to teach the fundamentals of surveying. Their manual operation requires students to develop essential skills in adjusting the instrument, taking readings, and interpreting survey data. This hands-on experience helps aspiring surveyors understand the principles and techniques involved in traditional surveying methods.
• Low-Tech Environments: In some environments with limited access to advanced technology or in areas where power supply and communication networks are unreliable, mechanical total stations can be more practical. These instruments don’t rely on motorised systems or complex electronic components, making them more robust and less dependent on external factors.
• Historical Preservation: When working on historical preservation projects, they can be preferred to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the surveying process. These instruments can be used to accurately measure and document historical structures or archaeological sites while respecting the traditional methods and techniques employed during the time of their construction.

It’s important to note that the choice between mechanical and robotic depends on the specific requirements of the project, the level of automation desired, budget considerations, and the expertise of the surveying team. Both types of surveying equipment have their advantages and can be effective tools depending on the context and application at hand.

Robotic total stations come in various models and configurations, each with its own specifications. Here are the key specs to consider when investigating which robotic total station is right for you:

• Angular Accuracy: These specifications indicate the instrument’s ability to measure horizontal and vertical angles accurately. This accuracy is usually expressed in seconds or minutes of arc (e.g., ±1″ or ±3″).
• Distance Measurement Range: This specifies the maximum distance that the total station can accurately measure. It is typically several hundred meters or more. However, some advanced models may have longer-range capabilities.
• Distance Measurement Accuracy: This represents the instrument’s ability to measure distances precisely. It is often specified as a value in millimetres or a certain percentage of the measured distance. For example, an accuracy specification of ±(2mm + 2ppm) means the instrument can measure distances of 2 millimetres plus an additional 2 parts per million of the measured distance.
• Magnification and Minimum Reading: Robotic total stations have an optical system with a specific magnification that determines the level of detail visible through the eyepiece. The minimum reading specification indicates the smallest increment that can be read on the instrument’s scale.
• Tracking Speed: This refers to the maximum speed at which the robotic total station can automatically follow a moving prism or target. Higher tracking speeds allow for faster and more efficient data collection in dynamic surveying situations.
• Operating Range: The operating range specifies the maximum distance over which the robotic total station can establish a reliable wireless connection with the remote control unit. This range varies depending on environmental factors such as terrain, obstructions, and interference.
• Battery Life: Robotic total stations are powered by rechargeable batteries. The battery life specification indicates the duration the instrument can operate on a single charge. It is an essential consideration, especially for projects that involve long periods of continuous operation in the field.
• Environmental Specifications: Robotic total stations often come with specifications related to their resistance to dust, water, and extreme temperatures, typically expressed using IP (Ingress Protection) ratings.

As the functionality of mechanical total stations differs from their robotic counterpart, so does the specifications of the tool. Mechanical total stations also have angular accuracy, distance measurement range, distance measurement accuracy, magnification and minimum reading, battery life and environmental specifications. However, they also have:

• Operating Controls: Controls for adjusting the instrument’s position, focusing the telescope, and taking readings. The specifications may include details about the knobs, locks, and controls available for precise adjustments.
• Levelling Accuracy: Mechanical total stations often have built-in levelling mechanisms to ensure the instrument is set up correctly, further ensuring accurate measurements.

Here are some examples of the specifications of Trimble total stations.

Model	Trimble S3	Trimble S5	Trimble S7	Trimble S9	Trimble SX12
Angular Accuracy	2 or 5″	1,2,3, or 5″	1,2,3, or 5″	0.5 or 1″	1″
EDM Technology	DR Standard	DR Plus	DR Plus	DR Plus or HP	Lightning 3DM/td>
Range (Single Prism)	2,500 m (8,202 ft)	2,500 m (8,202 ft)	2,500 m (8,202 ft)	5,500 m (18,044 ft)	5,000 m (16,404 ft)
Prism Tracking Type	Passive / MultiTrack*	Passive, MultiTrack, Active Track 360	Passive, MultiTrack, Active Track 360	Passive, MultiTrack, Active Track 360	Advanced AutoLock
Additional Features		Tracklight	VISION	Long Range FineLock, VISION or Tracklight

Here at SEP, we supply a wide range of total stations, both mechanical and robotic, to meet our clients’ needs. This includes our range of used total stations, all of which are services and assured by our expert technicians to guarantee maximum value for money. If you require a more flexible solution, we also offer short and long-term rentals through our total station hire service.

When compared side-by-side, it’s clear that robotic total stations represent the future of modern surveying. Advanced tracking and connectivity capabilities allow these instruments to streamline workflows across all kinds of sites. For instance, the instrument automatically follows a prism or reflective target, thus eliminating the need for repositioning.

Ease of use is impactful for large-scale projects to reduce wear on equipment and crews. Robotic total stations are also suited to surveying on difficult terrain due to remote operating capabilities. Many leading instruments, such as the Trimble SPS 720 and S9, have built-in UHF radios and can establish long-range Bluetooth connections.

The main trade-off is that robotic total stations often carry a high upfront investment, as well as ongoing maintenance and technology updates. Mechanical total stations remain a cost-effective tool for basic setting out and mapping data. Many established surveyors will be familiar with these instruments, and manual adjustments can still be relevant in challenging environments. It’s all about weighing up your priorities, goals, and budgets.

While mechanical total stations rely on manual operation and require more time and effort from the surveyor, robotic total stations offer enhanced automation, remote control capabilities, and advanced features that significantly streamline the surveying process, increase productivity, and allow for greater accuracy and efficiency in data collection.

To truly choose the right tool for the job, you need to balance out the differences and decide on a tool that works best for the project at hand. Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of the different applications total stations can be used for. If you want to try before you buy or work on shorter-term projects, SEP offers survey equipment for hire. Allowing you to carry out surveying tasks with ease and without the full investment. Get in touch if you have any questions about our range of total stations.