Laser Scanning Industry Leader Combines RTC360 Visual SLAM and LiDAR with Spot Agile Mobile Robot for Fast and Easy-to-Use Reality Capture

(HEERBRUGG, SWITZERLAND, 25 February 2021) – Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, leader in 3D scanning technology today announced a reality capture solution for a variety of industries. By combining Boston Dynamics agile mobile robot Spot with the industry-proven Leica RTC360 3D laser scanner, scanning time spent by human operators is significantly reduced by programming the devices to repeat automated scanning paths through sites. This requires minimal monitoring by the user, allowing for increased scanning efficiency, productivity, and flexibility when planning reality capture tasks. Professionals in many different industries such as construction, manufacturing, facility management, public safety, defence, media and entertainment or any other industry with autonomous scanning needs can benefit from programmed scanning tasks, especially for locations that must be repeatedly scanned for up-to-date digital twins.  

Leica RTC360 on Boston Dynamics Spot mobile robot covering scans in difficult or hazardous terrains.

Whenever accurate, reliable, and up-to-date 3D data is needed, the integration of Leica Geosystems’ RTC360 technology onto the Spot mobile robot provides significant additional customer value in a variety of industries and jobsite scenarios where flexible and agile laser scanning workflows are required. Spot’s ability to cover many types of terrain and the RTC360’s VIS (Visual Inertial System) creates this solution. While mounted atop Spot, the Leica RTC360’s VIS technology uses five cameras to track the scanner’s movement within the site between the scans. The VIS system provides an unmatched level of accurate and automated in-field pre-registration to streamline the reality capture process. While scanning, the user only needs to trigger each scan remotely via mobile device while Spot and the RTC360 navigate the programmed scanning path.

The RTC360’s VIS technology creates an easier, faster scanning workflow. For example, users can essentially “walk” Spot through a site by using a mobile device to control the RTC360 scanner. This allows users to speed up routine as-built documentation tasks and capture data accurately, quickly, and frequently. It also automatically combines captured scan data from station to station as it knows its location in space, resulting in a completely pre-registered point cloud of the entire scanned site, which makes final data processing in the office much easier.

"Making the RTC360 and VIS technology available on Spot is a great step forward from Leica Geosystems to provide autonomous reality capture solutions”, said Thomas Harring, CEO of Leica Geosystems. “Customers benefit from the user-friendly combination of both devices, our relationships with leading technology experts enable us to accelerate our delivery of these technologies while addressing the growing need for autonomy, automation of construction processes, and precision in 3D scanning.”

Combining Boston Dynamics Spot with the RTC360 creates a mobile scanning solution that saves time because Spot does the walking and stationing of individual scans instead of the user. Once Spot and the RTC360 learn a programmed scanning route through a location, they can more easily and quickly repeat that route for regular scanning. The remote control of the Leica RTC360 via a mobile device allows Spot’s agility and mobility to cover terrain that may be difficult or hazardous for a human operator.

The new Leica RTC360 for Spot includes all needed installation accessories, a protection bar for the scanner cameras, and Leica Geosystems software ensuring that users can get started within minutes. The RTC360 installation kit for Spot is available through Leica Geosystems distribution channels and Spot through Boston Dynamics.

Further information can be found at: Leica RTC360 3D Laser Scanner

Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right

Revolutionising the world of measurement and survey for 200 years, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, creates complete solutions for professionals across the planet. Known for premium products and innovative solution development, professionals in a diverse mix of industries, such as aerospace and defence, safety and security, construction, and manufacturing, trust Leica Geosystems for all their geospatial needs. With precise and accurate instruments, sophisticated software, and trusted services, Leica Geosystems delivers value every day to those shaping the future of our world.

Hexagon

Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, and quality across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, safety, and mobility applications. Our technologies are shaping urban and production ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous — ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 21,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 3.8bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.

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