Robotic total stations are used across many trades, including concrete, general contractors, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, steel, interior trades, drywall, survey/layout crews, and VDC or BIM teams. Any contractor performing layout, installation, or verification can benefit from robotic layout workflows.
No. BIM models and CAD files are great to have and allow for the most advanced BIM-to-field workflows, but they are not required to get started. With Trimble FieldLink, layout can also be done using PDF drawings, allowing crews to create layout points directly in the field while still maintaining high accuracy. Teams with BIM or CAD can take advantage of more connected workflows, while teams without them can still use robotic layout successfully.
Yes. Trimble robotic total stations are designed for single-operator layout. The instrument automatically tracks the operator, allowing one person to perform layout tasks that traditionally required two or more crew members. Many contractors use robotic layout to handle more work with fewer employees while maintaining consistent accuracy across the jobsite.
Contractors commonly see major productivity gains when switching from tape and stringline layout to robotic total stations. Many crews are able to lay out significantly more points per day while reducing mistakes and rework, because layout can be done directly from digital drawings with consistent accuracy across the entire project. This often allows teams to complete layout faster while using fewer people.
Most crews can begin performing basic layout after initial setup and training, then build confidence quickly as they use the system on real projects. The exact timeline depends on the workflow being used, but with proper training and support, teams can start using robotic layout within the first few days and continue improving as they gain experience. BuildingPoint provides training and workflow support to make sure your team feels comfortable using the system in real jobsite conditions.
The right model depends on your project type, required accuracy, range, and workflow. Entry-level systems like the RTS573 are often used for basic layout, while models such as the RTS771, RTS773, and RTS873 are designed for higher accuracy, longer range, and more advanced BIM-to-field workflows. The Ri can also be used for layout and scanning on more complex projects.
BuildingPoint offers the full lineup of Trimble robotic total stations and helps evaluate your projects, team size, and workflow to recommend the system that fits your needs.
Yes! We offer free demos. Every customer is assigned a local BuildingPoint representative who works directly in your state and understands the job site conditions and the industry you work in. Your representative can meet at your office or jobsite to demonstrate the equipment, walk through the workflow, and help evaluate how robotic layout would fit your projects and team. This allows you to see the system in real conditions before making a decision.
BuildingPoint provides training to help your team learn the equipment and software in real jobsite conditions. We have designated trainers who can schedule onsite or in-office training sessions based on what works best for your team. We also hold additional training classes throughout the year at our Plainfield, IL, office and occasionally at training centers near you, so customers can attend refresher sessions or train new team members as needed, no matter where they're located.
Your designated BuildingPoint sales representative will guide you through the demo and purchase process and help determine the right system for your workflow. After purchase, your representative coordinates with our Customer Success team, who will help schedule training and make sure your equipment, software, and workflow are set up correctly.
Once your system is up and running, you continue to have long-term access to our support team and your designated sales representative for whenever you need help. Whether you have questions in the office or run into something in the field, our team is available so you are never left figuring it out on your own or losing time on the jobsite.
BuildingPoint also provides a library of how-to videos and workflow tips on our YouTube channel, giving your team quick answers and guidance anytime you need help in the field.
No. Robotic total stations are used by companies of all sizes. Smaller contractors often use them to handle more layouts with limited employees, growing companies may use them to keep up with increasing project demands, and larger contractors use them to manage multiple crews and projects at the same time. The right system can scale to fit your workflow, whether you are just getting started or running layouts across many jobs.
The cost depends on the model, accuracy requirements, and workflow your team needs to support. Some contractors start with entry-level systems like the RTS573, while others use higher-accuracy models such as the RTS771, RTS773, or RTS873 for larger or more complex projects. Advanced workflows may also use the Ri for layout and scanning applications.
Many companies see a strong return on investment by reducing labor, minimizing rework, and completing layout faster. BuildingPoint can help evaluate ROI using real project examples, and our team can provide an ROI calculator to show how robotic layout can pay for itself over time. Connect with your local sales representative to get a cost estimate.
BuildingPoint is a network of authorized Trimble dealers focused on the building construction industry. BuildingPoint organizations are divided by state to ensure customers work with a local team that understands the job site conditions and construction industry in their region. BuildingPoint Midwest & Gulf Coast supports contractors located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.
