________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
errors turn into costly rework. It also reduces dependency on external networks, which is essential for working efficiently in remote or infrastructure-heavy environments.
And in places where connectivity isn’ t always available or reliable, such as in tunnels or on remote sites, local processing keeps work going uninterrupted. Simply put, you don’ t lose accuracy when you lose signal.
With edge AI built into the TS20, surveyors get the best of both worlds: instant, on-site intelligence and robust data security. Decisions happen where the work happens, ensuring faster insights, safer operations, and complete control over every measurement, all while preserving customer trust through secure, local data handling.
How did the idea of bringing AI directly into a total station first come about, and what problem were you trying to solve? We know that a typical challenge across the industry is that surveyors and engineers need instruments that can act intelligently on their own. So, we asked: what if more of the instrument’ s processing could happen directly on-site, reducing manual steps and keeping performance consistent regardless of connectivity?
By embedding AI directly into the total station, we enabled it to process measurement data internally, optimise targeting and tracking behaviour, and support stable performance in demanding field conditions. This reduces manual adjustments and helps teams focus more on high-value tasks rather than troubleshooting.
This shift from cloud-dependent intelligence to edge AI means instruments can make decisions right where the data is captured. This is at the edge, in the field, without waiting for a connection. The result is faster response times, higher resilience, and greater confidence that every measurement is right, right away.
By thinking locally and acting instantly, edge AI allows total stations to keep teams focused on progress, not troubleshooting.
Where will edge AI deliver the biggest gains: speed, accuracy, or safety? All three matter, but accuracy delivers the biggest gain. When your measurements are precise from the start, everything else, including speed and safety, improves as a result. Edge AI helps maintain that accuracy automatically by interpreting live sensor data and refining how the instrument detects and measures targets, so teams can trust every decision they make.
That consistency eliminates rework, keeps projects moving faster, and reduces the likelihood of errors that could create safety risks. In short, precision is the foundation
What can the TS20’ s NPU do that traditional total stations couldn’ t? The TS20’ s NPU accelerates on-device data processing and supports automated optimisation of measurement workflows. Rather than relying on external systems, the NPU helps refine targeting behaviour, maintain consistent tracking, and reduce manual corrections, especially in complex or dynamic site conditions.
Because the NPU processes information directly within the instrument, it enables more stable and efficient operation in environments where connectivity is limited or conditions are demanding. Over time, it supports smarter, more resilient workflows by helping surveyors reduce errors and maintain productivity in the field.
What’ s more, the NPU allows the TS20 to process measurement data quickly and consistently on the instrument, supporting more stable and reliable performance across varying site conditions. By reducing manual interventions and optimising workflows, it helps surveyors maintain productivity and accuracy even in challenging environments. This represents meaningful innovation: an instrument engineered to deliver dependable results and streamline field operations through intelligent, on-device processing.
12