Leica Geosystems develops AI-powered TS20 robotic total station from the ground up

Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has introduced the Leica TS20 robotic total station. This new-generation instrument accelerates fieldwork, reduces repetitive tasks and minimizes costly errors, while maintaining the precision and reliability long associated with the Leica name. As Hans-Martin Zogg, business director TPS at Leica Geosystems, told GIM International in a conversation, the TS20 has been developed from the ground up to reflect the realities of modern surveying. For example, it is the first robotic total station with IP66 protection against dust and water – a notable step forward for surveyors who must deliver results in all weathers and tough conditions on construction sites.

Drawing on more than two centuries of technical expertise and decades of customer feedback, Leica has truly tailored its latest solution to meet day-to-day professional needs during practical use in the field. “We listened carefully to surveyors using the TS16 and other models, and implemented their insights into every detail of this new generation,” said Zogg.

More speed, safety and reliability

Rather than introducing complexity, the instrument builds on what surveyors already know, while adding technologies that make their daily work not only faster, but also safer and more reliable. “When we talk about productivity, we don’t just mean speed. Yes, the TS20 measures faster, but more importantly, it minimizes errors in the field. Avoiding mistakes means avoiding costly rework – that’s where the real productivity gains come from,” he continued.

Powered by a neural processing unit (NPU), for instance, the Leica TS20 brings edge AI directly into the field. This optimizes workflows, spots potential mistakes before they happen, and delivers reliable measurements while keeping data private. The instrument can lock on and measure – even in rain, mist or when reflective tapes are in use – thanks to its AI-driven target search and automatic target recognition (ATR). “Construction doesn’t stop for rain, mist or dust. That’s why the TS20 is also the first robotic total station with IP66 protection. Surveyors can set it up and trust that it will work, anywhere, anytime,” stated Zogg.

One of the biggest sources of errors in the field is simply choosing the wrong prism type, according to Leica Geosystems’ business director TPS. “With AI Detect, the TS20 automatically recognizes the target type and warns the surveyor before a mistake happens. This feature alone can save hours of rework.”

Enhanced data sharing and IoT readiness

To further enhance the user experience, the Leica TS20 combines the familiar handling of traditional models with state-of-the-art components. Integrated communication sensors provide mobile internet connectivity for data sharing and IoT readiness. “We also designed the TS20 as an easy entry point for monitoring. You can set it up in the field, define your targets, and transfer the data directly to the cloud without any extra communication boxes or hardware – it makes monitoring more accessible to surveying companies of any size,” explained Zogg.

Other advancements include maintenance-free motors that increase dependability while reducing ownership costs, a new electronic distance measurement (EDM) system capable of delivering measurements at higher frequency, and high-speed processors that accelerate tasks ranging from startup to data processing.

Seamless integration

Moreover, the TS20 is engineered for seamless integration into existing workflows. It is fully compatible with Leica Geosystems’ software ecosystem, cloud services, accessories and the AP20 AutoPole. In fact, with AI-Follow – available as a post-launch software update – the TS20 can stay on track with the AP20, even when the line of sight is briefly lost due to walking behind a wall or a tree, for example.

Adding to its practicality, the TS20 introduces a unique safety feature: GeoCloud Protect. Operators can track the instrument’s location on a map and, in the event of theft, remotely lock it so that it can no longer be used or serviced. This smart protection capability ensures both security and peace of mind for surveyors in the field.

Innovation for measurable benefits

From connectivity and processing power to durability and protection, the TS20 reflects Leica Geosystems’ focus on innovations that translate directly into measurable benefits for professionals in demanding environments. Zogg summarizes the TS20 as “the new standard of productivity and the future of robotic total stations, helping surveyors succeed in today’s tasks, while being ready for the challenges of tomorrow”.

Representing a new generation of robotic total stations, the introduction of the TS20 is expected to open the door to more dynamic applications such as drone tracking, machine guidance and semi-automated monitoring. “Thanks to its speed and connectivity, surveyors can move into areas that were previously difficult, or costly, to access,” concluded Zogg.