"Over the years, we've listened to feedback from thousands of customers and used it to develop everything new based on long-term proven concepts - and now we're proud to introduce the next level robotic total station." -Moritz Lauwiner, EVP Hexagon Geosystems Division
Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has announced the launch of the Leica TS20, a new robotic total station designed and engineered entirely from the ground up as a successor to the TS16. The release marks a significant milestone for the company and the surveying industry, representing the first truly newly designed total station in nearly two decades. The new instrument aims to enhance field productivity and accuracy by integrating on-device artificial intelligence and robust new hardware, tailored to the real-world needs of modern surveyors, and investing in technologies are prepared for future workflows.
Leica Business Director for Total Stations Hanz-Martin Zogg described the launch as “All that surveyors expect from a Leica robotic total station, but even more than they can imagine.”
While there are upgrades for security (theft protection), form factor (no more radio handle), data transfer (mobile data integration) and other “wishes” fulfilled for their customers, Hanz-Martin was most excited for the things that were “beyond what our customers could even think about having in a total station,” which include some cutting-edge AI capabilities.
AI-Powered automation designed to eliminate field mistakes
A central innovation in the TS20 is the introduction of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to power on-device (or "edge") AI. The NPU enables the Leica TS20 to optimise workflows autonomously, identify potential mistakes before they happen, and ensure reliable measurements while safeguarding data privacy. This technology is not about cloud processing; all AI-driven tasks happen directly on the instrument, ensuring data remains secure and private.
The AI introduces several specific features that are aimed at preventing or reducing mistakes in the field; AI-Detect, AI-Powered Target Recognition (ATR) and, an anticipated update later, AI-Follow. The core goal of this AI-powered automation is to minimize mistakes in the field, which are often time-consuming and expensive to correct.
With AI-Detect, the system can automatically recognize the type of prism being used as a target. If it detects a mismatch between the prism in use and the one selected in the software, it alerts the operator. This function is designed to prevent an entire day's work from being compromised by incorrect settings, a simple but potentially severe mistake. To ensure reliable recognition, the AI was trained on extensive data sets, including images of prisms in various challenging conditions like rain and fog.
AI-powered target search and automatic target recognition (ATR) enable the TS20 to automatically search, aim, and measure even in adverse weather conditions like rain or mist, or when working with reflective tapes.
AI-Follow (available as a software update post-launch) will save additional time by following the Leica AP20 AutoPole even when the line of sight is temporarily interrupted.
Connectivity, security and durability
Recognizing modern workflow demands, the TS20 also has upgrades for connectivity. It integrates with Leica's existing software, including Captivate, and cloud ecosystem, allowing for easier data sharing and collaboration. The TS20 also integrates communication devices like long-range Bluetooth, WLAN, and mobile data.
For security, the TS20 introduces GeoCloud Protect, a theft-deterrence technology exclusive to the new model. This service allows operators to locate the instrument remotely on a map. In the event of theft, the owner can mark it as stolen, which locks the total station and prevents it from being used or serviced.
The TS20 also features a complete hardware overhaul. According to Leica, it is the world’s first robotic total station with an IP66 rating, meaning it is fully protected against dust ingress and powerful water jets from any direction. This allows it to operate reliably in harsh weather without the need for protective measures like umbrellas or other coverings.
“Ready for the future”
This long development cycle makes the TS20 launch a noteworthy event, says Moritz Lauwiner, Executive Vice President at Hexagon’s Geosystems division, in the announcement:
“The Leica TS20 is the most significant leap forward in total station technology in over a decade. Built from the ground up, the TS20 is the result of a close partnership between our survey engineering experts, the innovation prowess of a world-class R&D team, and the invaluable insights of our customers."
With the tagline "Be Ready," Leica positions the TS20 as an instrument built looks not just to improve workflows for current tasks but also to look ahead to the future of surveying. The focus on productivity, error reduction, and attracting new talent to the industry underscores the significance of this long-awaited release.
