Based on the application of the Leica TM50 robotic total station to short-distance measurement of cross-fault displacements, the aim of this study is to show the feasibility of an intelligent measuring robot with nominal precision in short-distance measurement. This paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional invar-wire baseline method, GPS, and measuring robots in relation to aspects such as measurement precision, operational mode, and personnel demand. It finds that the use of a high-precision electro-optical distance meter (EDM) is the best choice at present for relatively short (<3 km) cross-fault displacement measurements. The study then clarifies the operational basis and technical requirements of an EDM and the operational hazards in data collection. In order to ensure repeatable and comparable measurement data, the observational field data need to be corrected with data processing. Meteorological modifications, periodic error correction, and instrumental correction are all discussed. Results are presented from an application example, compared graphically, and briefly analyzed in relation to fault displacements that are contained therein.