Dusty Robotics announced its adoption of the Leica Absolute Tracker AT500 from Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division. Paired with the Dusty FieldPrinter 2, the AT500 enhances setup speed and usability while maintaining the company's standard of 1/16-inch accuracy for projects in data centers, healthcare facilities, and advanced manufacturing plants.

The Leica AT500 offers a maximum measuring distance of up to 320 meters and features an IP54 rating for protection against dust and moisture. Equipped with built-in replaceable batteries, it guarantees uninterrupted operation, and its PowerLock function allows the tracker to automatically resume tracking if the measurement process is interrupted.

Connection simplicity is facilitated by the integrated LMF-Embedded (LMF-e) interface compatible with Linux-based operating systems. This allows the Dusty FieldPrinter 2 to instantly apply dynamic trajectory corrections without needing costly industrial Ethernet real-time features, thus simplifying overall system configuration and operation.

The inclusion of the AT500 will grant construction firms the speed and reliability needed to meet strict timelines. Automatic measurement adjustments and simplified instrument integration reduce downtime and increase layout accuracy, ultimately boosting overall productivity.

Moreover, the Leica AT500 supports additional measurements of floor flatness and surface deviation, enriching the functionalities offered by Dusty Robotics and fostering deeper collaboration between architectural studios and contractors.

This upgrade equips the Dusty FieldPrinter 2 with the Leica AT500, enabling professionals to rapidly and precisely install equipment and materials on-site, minimizing discrepancies from the original design.

Choosing the Leica AT500 marks another evolutionary step for Dusty Robotics, focusing on bridging the gap between design and practical implementation, thus increasing coordination and efficiency throughout the construction lifecycle.

Founder and CEO of Dusty Robotics, Tessa Lau, will share insights into her experiences in robotics and engineering innovations at the RoboBusiness conference in October 2025.

Expanding the Picture:

The contemporary construction industry is rapidly evolving towards full automation and digital transformation. Tools like the Leica AT500 play a crucial role in improving accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Traditionally, construction relied on outdated methods of planning and layout, prone to errors and limited applicability. Today, however, the situation has changed drastically: digital systems assist architects and engineers in obtaining precise information about structural elements in real-time.

Particularly relevant for large enterprises, data centers, and healthcare institutions, where material quality and installation accuracy requirements are extremely high, Leica AT500 serves as a prime example of how the digital revolution is permeating the traditionally conservative construction sector, introducing a new generation of solutions for process optimization.

It's important to highlight that, besides technical advantages, such solutions help mitigate risks associated with accidents and damage resulting from human error. Automation and remote monitoring prevent incidents and damages, reducing financial losses and shortening project completion times.

Additionally, new tools positively affect environmental sustainability, as they increase the precision of material usage calculations and decrease excess stockpiling. As a result, companies adopting these technologies gain a competitive edge and attract clients looking for high-quality solutions.

The adoption of laser trackers also establishes a foundation for further automation on construction sites, as the accumulation of vast amounts of digital data becomes possible, leading to informed managerial decisions.

Therefore, Dusty's choice of Leica AT500 signifies not merely a technical upgrade but a significant phase in the transformation of the construction industry, characterized by a transition from traditional planning methods to modern digital approaches.