What if your total station could think for itself—spot mistakes before you make them, adapt to the weather, and lock itself down if stolen? The AI-powered TS20 does all this and more, marking a new era in surveying technology.
Surveying has always been about precision, but the new TS20 robotic total station from Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, suggests the future of accuracy isn’t just about optics and mechanics—it’s about intelligence. By embedding edge AI directly into the instrument, Leica is reimagining what a total station can do in the field.
“From what I have seen, the TS20 represents a new era in Leica’s total station offerings. It forms the foundation of a system that allows for expansion and flexibility to engage a personal user experience. While all total stations turn angles and obtain distances, the TS20’s speed and use of learned AI are game-changers for the future of the geospatial profession.”
— Joseph Romano, PLS, Principal/Vice President, Surveying & Mapping, LANGAN
Romano’s perspective underscores what Leica is aiming for: not just another incremental upgrade, but a platform that evolves with the user and the industry.
AI at the Edge: Not Just a Buzzword
The TS20 runs on a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), enabling real-time AI processing without relying on the cloud. Why does that matter? Because surveyors need speed and reliability in environments where connectivity isn’t guaranteed—and where data privacy is non-negotiable.
This AI core powers features like:
- AI-Powered Target Search & ATR: Automatically finds and locks onto targets—even in rain, fog, or when reflective tape complicates the job.
- AI-Detect: Flags mismatched target types before errors creep into your dataset.
- AI-Follow (coming soon): Keeps tracking the Leica AP20 AutoPole even when line of sight is broken—a game-changer for dynamic sites.
These aren’t gimmicks; they’re designed to cut downtime and reduce costly rework.
Built for the Real World, Not Just the Spec Sheet
The TS20 is the first robotic total station with an IP66 rating, meaning it’s dust-tight and can withstand the most miserable rainy and misty weather. Inside, Leica has overhauled the hardware:
- New EDM System: Higher-frequency distance measurements for improved accuracy.
- Maintenance-Free Motors: Faster, more reliable, and lower cost of ownership.
- High-Speed Processors: Shorter boot times and quicker data handling.
Connectivity is equally forward-thinking: mobile internet, IoT readiness, and full integration with Leica’s software and cloud ecosystem. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into modern workflows without forcing a rethink of your entire tech stack.
Security That Travels With You
Leica’s GeoCloud Protect adds a digital safety net. If the instrument is stolen, surveyors can remotely locate it, lock it, and render it unusable—even for servicing. It’s a practical response to a real-world problem.
A Platform, Not Just a Product
“This is the most significant leap forward in total station technology in over a decade,” says Moritz Lauwiner, EVP at Hexagon’s Geosystems division.
According to Lauwiner, the TS20 was built from the ground up through close collaboration between Leica’s survey engineers, R&D teams, and customers. “Every detail was shaped by their feedback,” Lauwiner notes. “The result is a total station built for modern surveyors—one that helps them succeed no matter the job or conditions.”
But Leica’s ambitions go beyond this launch. The TS20 introduces a new platform of hardware, software, and services designed to evolve through updates and expanded capabilities. It’s not just a milestone—it’s the beginning of a new chapter in geospatial instrumentation.
Bottom line: The TS20 blends Leica’s legacy of precision with forward-looking intelligence. It’s rugged, smart, and built to adapt—setting a new standard for what surveyors can expect from their instruments.
