leica users info on ts02-15 vs 1200 series

If you were to purchase a 1200 I'd suggest purchasing an instrument badged 1200+. The '+' was an update of the system which included upgrades to the scope. The same scope design was used in the Viva series so I would assume that Leica dealers would still be able to source new parts in the case of repairs being required. The original 1200 series are no longer supported in this way, or at least I've been advised.

If you want a robot, your options are the 1200 series, TS12, TS15, and TS16. All other jiggers such as the Flexline series are conventional manual instruments. You can investigate TS/TM30 or MS series but they are higher spec machines which judging by your post are not necessary.

I've only used the on-board Smartworx software, but I've heard of a few people on here who said they use field genius with Leica robots.

Zammo is spot-on. The Flexline series are conventional manual total stations that have no robotics ability. These include the TS02+, TS06+ and TS09+.

As for Robotic Instruments, there is a TS12, TS16 and MS60. The TS12 is the economical selection, strictly a robotic total station which can be used with Microsurvey, Carlson, etc. The TS16 is the flagship Robot from Leica - having improved processing speed and ATR+ which gives you more options in regards to filtering unwanted signals onsite and image processing speed. The TS16 is available with imaging. This instrument will run MicroSurvey with the CS20 Field Controller nicely. The MS60 is the highest-end instrument and used for Robotic and Scanning.