Topcon has just introduced a self leveling robotic instrument for construction layout and as-builts.
In the recent years I have see many contractors purchasing robots and total stations for layout of concrete walls and anchor bolts.
The trouble is many contractors do NOT understand the limits of the instrument with trig elevations, and the need to keep checking the gun for level and backsight checks.
This new instrument is a game changer, focusing on those limits. It was introduced to many contractors last week at the World of Concrete Expo, and they ready to purchase them.
The specs:
Measurement Range 0.9m – 100m (3 ft. – 328 ft.)
Positioning Accuracy ±3mm
Vertical Coverage
±25° up to 22m range (72 ft.)
±10m height, 22 - 100m range
(72 ft. – 328 ft.)
Check out the video here.
http://www.topconpositioning.com/products/bim/ln-100
> Measurement Range 0.9m – 100m (3 ft. – 328 ft.)
Ouch - that's pretty darned short.
Ok on site, maybe. But no use for bringing in control from up the road 🙁
There is definitively a market for this, if it works as it claims. A summer student working for a construction company would be up to speed very fast for example.
The range would be my only concern. Usually, specs are in optimal conditions. I plan for 1/2 the specs, which reduces the range to 50 meters. Still not bad for a lot of construction scenarios.
All three major manufacturers came up with good ideas lately (Leica, MS50, Trimble V10 cameras, and now Topcon with this), good for them!
...I think the contractors should be more concerned and more aware about their crappy software glitches. For example, like when you change a RH, it stores the RH in the raw data, but doesn't compute the change correctly using the old RH until the NEXT shot....
I wonder how many construction surveyors scratched their heads after getting blamed for those kind of errors.....
How do you think you back sight it, or resect it to fix a position and orientation ? Looks like it would work well on small tight indoor type construction jobs.
I look at this from the point that now that it has been done, what is to keep this from filtering over into other lines, I expect to see a self leveling robot for surveyors soon...
I mean we can already see on the remote end if the instrument is out of level, how cool would it be to level remotely, reacquire your BS and then continue working without walking back to the robot?
I guess we would also need to have an imaging plummet to see if we are still over the point, can be done i am sure.
SHG
A free station does not need to be over any point, just able to see two.
Seeing stuff like this always makes me look over my shoulder to see technology catching up and overtaking all sorts of field work. I wonder if the demand for data will continue to grow and create enough work to keep a field crew employed to keep pace with remote sensing acquisition of spatial data.
I kind of think the idea of touching something to measure it will seem as antiquated in 15 years as pulling a chain does now.
Regardless of technology milestones, there will always be a need for competent individuals, that doesn't change.
