Leica iCON iCR80 Robotic Construction Total Station

Considerations Before Purchasing the Leica iCON iCR80 Robotic Total Station

Construction professionals – including surveyors, site engineers, and BIM managers – evaluate a range of factors before investing in the Leica iCON iCR80 robotic total station. The iCR80 is a high-end one-person operated total station built specifically for construction layout tasks. It promises robust automation, precise measurements, and seamless integration with digital workflows. Below, we break down the key considerations, highlighting insights for each professional role where relevant.

Key Technical Features and Capabilities

One-Person Operation and ATRplus: The iCR80 is designed as a one-person robotic total station – a single operator can control it remotely via a field controller, eliminating the need for a second person at the instrument. Central to this is ATRplus, Leica’s advanced Automatic Target Recognition technology, which automatically aims, locks onto, and re-locks onto the prism target even if the line of sight is briefly lost. ATRplus maximizes the station’s ability to stay “locked” on the intended target, crucial for efficient solo operation. For a site engineer, this means faster layout with fewer interruptions, and for a surveyor, it ensures the instrument remains on the correct prism (not a stray reflection or another crew’s prism) in complex environments. In congested sites with many moving people, machines, or reflective surfaces, the iCR80’s ATRplus and its “tune out targets” feature help ignore distractions and maintain lock on the user’s prism. This reliability is especially valued by surveyors responsible for accurate setout in busy urban projects and by site engineers who need to trust that the instrument isn’t accidentally tracking the wrong target.

High Precision, Range, and Speed: The iCR80 offers high measurement accuracy and range suitable for demanding construction layouts. It is available in angular accuracy options as fine as 1″ (one second of arc) – a level of precision appreciated by surveyors setting control points – or 2″, whereas the lower-tier iCR70 model is offered in 2″ or 5″ versions. Distance measurement with a standard prism reaches up to about 3,500 m (over 2 miles) under good conditions, and reflectorless measurement (to surfaces without a prism) can reach on the order of 500 m to 1,000 m depending on the model (iCR80 is typically sold in an R1000 variant for ~1000 m non-prism range). The distance accuracy is on the order of 1–2 mm ± 1–2 ppm, typical for a high-grade total station – ensuring that even over long distances, layout points remain within a few millimeters of design, which is critical for tasks like column placements or anchor bolt layouts. Speed is another highlight: the iCR80 uses Leica’s patented PowerSearch technology to rapidly locate the prism if lock is lost, and it boasts the fastest re-lock in case of obstruction. Features like Dynamic Lock (an optional add-on) allow the instrument to anticipate the prism’s movement and re-acquire it on the fly, which is useful if the prism is moving (for example, mounted on a vehicle or carried by someone walking the site). In practice, this means a site engineer can walk from point to point without constantly stopping to realign, and a surveyor can rely on the instrument to handle brief interruptions (like a truck crossing the line of sight) with minimal downtime.

Additional Automation and Features: Leica has equipped the iCR80 with a number of construction-focused features:

• Automatic Setup and Self-Calibration: The iCR80 offers a fully automated setup routine (Setup Pilot) that can orient the instrument with the push of a button. It will search for known reference points and establish its position on the site coordinate system without manual interaction, visually confirming when setup is successful. This simplifies the morning setup for surveyors and site engineers – even staff with limited surveying experience can get the station ready for work quickly and confidently.
  
  
• One-Button Layout Workflow: The on-board software includes automation like Auto Stake, which can automatically turn the instrument to the next design point for layout as soon as you finish the current one. For example, when laying out dozens of hanger inserts on a ceiling, the instrument can guide the operator from point to point in sequence, boosting productivity. Similarly, automated grid scanning or as-built measurement routines allow the iCR80 to collect a series of points autonomously for QA/QC checks.
  
  
• Communication Range: The robot is controlled via a field controller (such as the Leica CC80/CC180 tablet or similar) over long-range Bluetooth wireless. The iCR80 supports Bluetooth communication up to ≈400 m between the instrument and controller. This means a single operator can be hundreds of meters away (e.g. on the far end of a building pad or a large floor plate) and still drive the total station reliably. This range is beneficial for site engineers working on expansive sites or when laying out utility runs over long distances.
  
  
• Robust Hardware: The iCR80 is built to handle construction site conditions. It has an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance (adequate for rain and dusty environments) and an operating temperature range roughly from –20°C to +50°C, per Leica specs. The unit’s weight is about 5.3 kg including battery, which is slightly heavier than some survey-only instruments, but reflects its motorization and built-in controller. Battery life is around 6–8 hours per charge for the iCR80 (enough for a typical field shift). Surveyors might note that the iCR70 (the simpler model) actually runs a bit longer (~8–10 hours) and is lighter (5.0 kg), due to fewer onboard components – a trade-off to consider if battery endurance is a priority.
  
  

Integration with Digital Workflows and BIM Models

A major consideration – especially for BIM/VDC managers and tech-savvy contractors – is how well the iCR80 integrates with digital construction workflows. Leica has designed the iCON series specifically to bridge the gap between the office (BIM/CAD models) and the field (physical layout and verification).

• Direct Use of BIM Data: The iCR80, paired with Leica’s iCON field software, can handle fully rendered 3D design models in the field. Notably, it supports industry-standard BIM formats like IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) natively. This means a BIM manager can export an IFC of the building or a specific trade model (structural, MEP, etc.), and the field crew can load that model directly on the controller or instrument. Rather than interpreting 2D plans or coordinate lists, the user can select objects (columns, pipes, walls, insert points) visually from the 3D model on the controller screen and lay them out on site. This is a game-changer for complex geometry.
  
  
• Office-to-Field Data Flow: The iCR80 is fully compatible with Leica’s software ecosystem for managing construction data. It works with Leica iCON build (for building construction layout tasks) or iCON site (for civil construction tasks) as its field software, and connects to Leica Infinity (office software) and Leica ConX (cloud collaboration platform) for seamless data transfer. In practice, a BIM or VDC manager can push the latest design data or updated coordinates from the office directly to the instrument in the field via ConX cloud, ensuring crews are working with up-to-date information. Surveyors can also import control points or gridlines from Infinity into iCON field. This bidirectional flow means as-built measurements taken by the iCR80 can be sent back to the BIM team or QA/QC staff quickly.
  
  
• Third-Party and Interoperability: Buyers will consider how the iCR80 fits into their existing CAD/BIM toolchain. Leica’s approach is to use standard file formats (IFC, LandXML, DXF/DWG, etc.) which most design tools can export/import. Conversely, the as-built or layout data collected can be exported to CSV/DXF or uploaded to collaboration platforms.
  
  

Compatibility with Leica Software and Other Tools

Leica’s iCON iCR80 is part of a broader hardware-software ecosystem, and understanding its compatibility is crucial:

• Leica iCON Field Software (Build/Site): The iCR80 can run Leica iCON build software onboard the instrument itself. The unit features a built-in touchscreen interface where a user can operate the instrument with the iCON software without needing an external data collector (though a tablet controller can also be used if preferred).
  
  
• Leica Infinity (Office) and Cloud Services: Infinity software on the office side is used by surveyors to manage data – combining design data, survey measurements, and exporting/importing to BIM formats. Leica ConX is a cloud service that the iCR80 can connect to (via the field tablet’s internet connection) to receive jobs or upload results.
  
  
• Machine Control and Handover: The iCR80 can also integrate with Leica’s machine control systems, even supporting a simplified iCR80S variant for dedicated machine guidance. This versatility allows one investment to cover layout and machine control.
  
  

Performance in Various Site Conditions

The iCR80 is designed for challenging construction environments:

• Congested Urban Sites: ATRplus filters out distractions and maintains prism lock even with moving machinery and reflective surfaces nearby.
  
  
• Complex Geometries and Indoors: Dynamic Lock helps track moving prisms and reacquire targets in obstructed or maze-like spaces.
  
  
• Large Sites: Prism measurement range up to 3.5 km and controller range up to 400 m cover most projects.
  
  
• Environmental Factors: ATRplus adapts to rain, dust, or glare to maintain precision. IP55 durability ensures reliability in typical field conditions.
  
  

Budget Constraints, Cost-Benefit, and ROI

While the iCR80 is a premium investment, buyers consider the following:

• Upfront Cost: Typically tens of thousands of USD.
  
  
• Labor Savings: One operator can replace a two-person crew.
  
  
• Productivity: More layout points per day and fewer interruptions.
  
  
• Reduced Errors: Millimeter-level accuracy reduces costly rework.
  
  
• ROI: Often achieved within one or two projects through savings in time and labor.
  
  
• Training and Support Costs: Firms budget for training, accessories, warranties, and calibrations.
  
  

User Experience and Training Considerations

• Ease of Use: iCON software is intuitive, visual, and designed for construction teams rather than survey specialists.
  
  
• Training: Many companies train engineers, electricians, and foremen to use robotic total stations with success.
  
  
• Support: Leica offers strong dealer support and warranties.
  
  
• Field Handling: Lightweight, easy to set up, and designed for smooth day-to-day use.
  
  

Case Studies and Professional Reviews

• Bouygues Construction: Reported faster layout and increased team efficiency.
  
  
• V-Constructions (Australia): Used the iCR80 successfully on a complex curved-slab project.
  
  
• Mike Sharp & Son (UK): Ensured precision in high-end residential builds to avoid millimeter errors.
  
  
• Miller Electric (USA): Trains electricians to use the tool as a standard part of trade work.
  
  
• Sack Company (USA): Identified layout errors before installation, saving time and reducing risk.
  
  

Comparison with Similar Models (Leica and Competitors)

Leica iCR80 vs iCR70:

• iCR80: 1″ or 2″ accuracy, ATRplus, PowerSearch, onboard software, machine control integration.
  
  
• iCR70: 2″ or 5″ accuracy, standard ATR, external controller only, longer battery life, lower price.
  
  

Leica vs Trimble & Topcon:

• Trimble: Comparable robotic total stations, slightly lower cost, strong BIM integration.
  
  
• Topcon: More budget-friendly options, though sometimes considered less refined for BIM-heavy workflows.
  
  
• User Consensus: Leica seen as premium with the highest precision, Trimble close second, Topcon mainly for cost-conscious buyers.
  
  

Conclusion

The Leica iCON iCR80 is a premium robotic total station that blends survey-grade accuracy, construction-focused automation, and BIM integration. Surveyors value its precision and reliability, site engineers gain speed and one-person operation, and BIM managers see it as a critical bridge between digital models and the physical site.

While expensive upfront, its ROI comes quickly through labor savings, productivity gains, and reduced errors. For firms engaged in complex, BIM-driven, or large-scale projects, the iCR80 is one of the most capable and future-proof layout tools on the market.