GPS World

Tag: San Diego

  • XPONENTIAL 2024 is quickly approaching

    XPONENTIAL 2024 is quickly approaching

    Image: AUVSI XPONENTIAL
    Image: AUVSI XPONENTIAL

    AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2024 will be held April 22 to 25  at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.

    The event’s key themes include infrastructure and operations, technical research and development, data and analytics, cybersecurity and policy and regulations. The conference will feature keynotes, educational sessions, specialized workshops, and an XPO Hall with more than 30 exhibit categories with technologies across air, land and maritime sectors.

    XPONENTIAL attracts more than 7,500 attendees each year, who attend more than 200 educational sessions as part of the full conference. The current keynote sessions include innovators with diverse perspectives and backgrounds who will speak on pressing topics and address key questions affecting the autonomous community.

    Confirmed speakers include:

    Doug Beck
    Director, Defense Innovation Unit

    Operationalizing DIU 3.0
    Responsible for accelerating the Department of Defense (DoD) adoption of commercial technology through the military, Beck will discuss how defense agencies and industry can collaborate to strengthen national security. This session will be moderated by Courtney Albon, emerging technology reporter for Defense News and C4ISRNET.

    Michael Brasseur
    Chief Strategy Officer, Saab Inc.

    To Create, To Make, To Shape
    Drawing upon his role in implementing Saab’s future capabilities strategy, Brasseur’s presentation will address how individuals and organizations can foster an environment of continuous improvement and advancement.

    Hal Brands, Ph.D.
    Henry A. Kissinger, professor of global affairs, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies

    Advancing Technologies and Their Role in World Affairs
    Using his knowledge in foreign policy, international relations and security strategy, Brands will help leaders conceptualize strategies to safeguard national interests and organizations to navigate geopolitical challenges.

    Henrik I. Christensen, Ph.D.
    Qualcomm chair of robotics and professor, computer science, director of contextual robotics institute, UC San Diego

    Looking Ahead: Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
    Henrik will explore the future of these technologies and how stakeholders can form strategies that capitalize on emerging opportunities.

    Harry Yeff (aka Reeps One)
    AI Artist and AI for Good Activist

    Undoing a Narrative of Fear
    Yeff, a London-born, neurodivergent artist, will share how we can foster a constructive dialogue on responsibly integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy. His performance art pieces, integrated with AI and voice technology, have been exhibited internationally and garnered more than 100 million online views worldwide.

    Additionally, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Panel titled “Getting to Go,” will cover safety standards, implementation challenges and obstacles to technology development and testing. Panelists include three representatives from the FAA: Timothy Arel, chief operating officer of the air traffic organization, Marc Nichols, chief counsel and Laurence Wildgoose, assistant administrator for policy, international affairs and environment.

    Matt McCardle, head of global regulatory affairs and strategy at Amazon Prime Air will moderate the discussion.

    GPS World staff will be attending the conference. To follow our live coverage, click here.

    More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Click here to learn more and register.

  • Xona Space Systems certifies Spirent’s SimXona

    Xona Space Systems certifies Spirent’s SimXona

    Image: Spirent Federal Systems
    Image: Spirent Federal Systems

    Xona Space Systems has fully certified Spirent Federal System’s SimXona, a Xona satellite constellation simulator. Spirent will launch SimXona at the ION Joint Navigation Conference, June 12-15, 2023, in San Diego, California.

    SimXona can simulate the Xona low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation on its own, and in tandem with Spirent’s positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) and threat simulation capabilities. Spirent has developed LEO simulation solutions for both the military and commercial sectors, including modeling software that combines the simulation of precise LEO orbits and highly accurate GNSS signals — delivering greater realism for applications that have no margin for error.

    Spirent will be accepting orders for SimXona soon.

  • Qualcomm and FlightOps collaborate on UAV tech for first responders

    Qualcomm and FlightOps collaborate on UAV tech for first responders

     

    Image: Qualcomm
    Image: Qualcomm

    FlightOps is collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies to develop UAV automation technology designed specifically for first responders. FlightOps has integrated its advanced UAV automation technology onto the Qualcomm Robotics RB5 platform — which has 5G connectivity, on-device artificial intelligence, and heterogeneous computing capabilities.

    The integration of FlightOps’ technology onto the Qualcomm Robotics RB5 will enable the platform to automate critical tasks such as flight planning, monitoring and data collection, enabling first responders to focus on the mission at hand.

    The technology is being showcased during XPONENTIAL May 9-11. FlightOps is at booth 4041.

    The live remote flights, operated from Denver and flown in San Diego, will demonstrate the capabilities of the integrated product and how it can be used to improve response times as well as enhance situational awareness during emergencies.

  • JNC 2023 abstract deadline is fast approaching

    JNC 2023 abstract deadline is fast approaching

    Photo: ION
    Photo: ION

    Abstracts for Joint Navigation Conference (JNC) 2023, “Enhancing Dominance and Resilience for Warfighting and Homeland Security PNT,” are due Feb. 3. JNC 2023 is the largest United States military positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) conference of the year with joint service and government participation.

    The Institute of Navigation’s Military Division will host the conference June 12-15 at the Town and Country Hotel in San Diego. The event will be open to all conference participants, exhibitors, their employees and related organizations. All materials displayed in the exhibit hall will be publicly released after review.

    The event will focus on advances in PNT with an emphasis on joint development, testing and support of affordable PNT systems, logistics and integration. Additionally, the conference will cover advances in battlefield applications of GPS, critical strengths and weaknesses of field navigation devices, warfighter PNT requirements and solutions and navigation warfare.

    Abstracts must be written for public release with the intent to present in a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) U.S. only environment. Abstracts not approved for public release will not be accepted.

    Interested parties may submit their abstracts at ion.org/jnc.

  • Esri User Conference goes virtual because of COVID-19

    Esri User Conference goes virtual because of COVID-19

    The Esri User Conference, which usually takes place in San Diego in July, will this year be held virtually.

    “As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, we are making the decision to move the 2020 Esri User Conference in San Diego to a virtual format. This is a great disappointment to me personally, as I know it will be for many of you,” Esri CEO Jack Dangermond told those planning to attend in an April 22 e-mail.

    The following is an outline of Esri’s current plan, with more information available in the Esri UC FAQs:

    • The event will take place July 13–15, 2020.
    • The plenary session, technical workshops and Esri Showcase will be virtual, featuring many demonstrations and live discussions during the conference.
    • There will be many opportunities for networking, collaboration and real-time interaction with Esri experts and staff.
    • User presentations and the map gallery will be featured digitally.
    • A library of recorded sessions and demos will be created and kept available as an ongoing resource.
    • Registration will be complimentary for all Esri customers who are current on their maintenance or subscription.

    Dangermond also asked for ideas and suggestions solicited through a survey by April 29.

    “Forty years ago this month, we had our first User Conference in Redlands, California, with only a handful of participants,” Dangermond wrote. “While initially no one was quite sure of what the outcome would be, the event started an ongoing tradition where Esri and our users would come together, share our work, learn and create a community of common interests.

    “That first meeting on the Esri campus provided the groundwork for the annual event at which thousands of professionals from every corner of the globe meet one another, share inspiring examples of work and learn from each other’s experiences.

    “While we can’t replicate the experience of being together in person, we will do our best to create an amazing event that will continue to move you and our community forward. One of the benefits of going with a virtual format will be that organizations will be able to send an unlimited number of attendees.”

    Photo: GPS World Staff
    Photo: GPS World Staff
  • Defense contracts spur growth of counter drone company

    Defense contracts spur growth of counter drone company

    Titan C-UAS systems are deployed globally, protecting combat forces, civilians, and critical infrastructure. (Photo: Citadel Defense)
    Titan C-UAS systems are deployed globally, protecting combat forces, civilians, and critical infrastructure. (Photo: Citadel Defense)

    U.S. military, government and international customers opt for Citadel’s Titan for drone protection

    Citadel Defense continues to experience rapid growth after being awarded several significant Defense and Homeland Security contracts for its C-UAS (counter unmanned aircraft systems) solutions.

    Malicious drone activity, ranging from single-use hostile small unmanned aerial systems to drone swarms continue to threaten safety and national security. Over the past 18 months, Citadel has received orders for more than $17.5 million in products and services to support anti-drone initiatives around the world.

    According to the company, the growth is a direct result of delivering reliable and effective force protection against individual drones and swarms for military, government and international customers over the past two years.

    Citadel Defense’s automated counter drone solution uses artificial intelligence and machine learning as a reliable and scalable approach for addressing emerging threats.

    To address the surge in global demand for Titan systems, Citadel has expanded its manufacturing capabilities in San Diego, California, to support production of up to 50 Titan systems a month. The company uses U.S. suppliers with more than 70% of components being sourced locally in Southern California to improve responsiveness when executing on urgent customer requests.

    As new drones are released to the market, Titan systems receive new software to address the new threats. If Titan’s AI algorithms do not detect the threat right away, the company explained that it can deliver an end-to-end capability in 72 hours for most drones and less than 4 weeks for the most complex drone signals.

    The use of AI, deepnets and adaptive countermeasures provide Titan with scalable force protection that can address the needs of the small unit, a large base or A mobile vehicle. The Titan system is being effectively integrated into layered solutions that combine radar, optics and kinetic countermeasures to help customers detect, identify, track, defeat and report on threat sUAS.

    “Designing agility into our product development process from the beginning has allowed us to iterate in real-time alongside our customers and rapidly deploy new capabilities to improve mission outcomes,” said Christopher Williams, CEO of Citadel Defense.

    As radiofrequency-based solutions become an important requirement for layered C-UAS solutions, Citadel has had its capabilities extensively evaluated by U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, SOCOM, and DHS Test & Evaluation teams. Titan is being used to protect high-value assets in urban, rural and maritime environments.

    “Designing our system to meet unpredictable mission scenarios was made possible by direct feedback from operators experiencing drone incursions on the front lines,” explained Williams. “The threat environment is always evolving which requires a product development approach that can adapt and respond. A combination of human-centered design and AI-powered technology have helped Citadel differentiate ourselves from traditional defense contractors.”

  • Live from the 2019 ION Joint Navigation Conference and Esri User Conference

    Live from the 2019 ION Joint Navigation Conference and Esri User Conference

    The GPS World staff reported live from the Institute of Navigation’s (ION) 2019 Joint Navigation Conference, which took place July 8-11 in Long Beach, California, and the Esri 2019 User Conference, which took place July 8-12 in San Diego. Check out news, photos and videos from the shows.

    Esri User Conference

    July 8-12 // San Diego

    NEWS

    • Jane Goodall Institute releases StoryMap highlighting chimp habitat conservation (7/24/19)
    • NASA Disasters Program aids with disaster relief efforts (7/24/19)
    • Trimble launches usage-based service plan for Catalyst GNSS receiver (7/11/19)
    • Esri, Jane Goodall Institute partner to protect ecosystems (7/9/19)

    VIDEOS

    ION Joint Navigation Conference

    July 8-12 // Long Beach, California

    NEWS

    • KVH launches TACNAV 3D inertial navigation system (7/10/19)

    VIDEOS

  • Taoglas opens IoT design center in San Diego

    Antenna maker Taoglas USA has opened a facility in San Diego for its North American customers.

    In the midst of explosive wireless device growth in the Internet of Things (IoT) market,  the company has quadrupled the original size of its local facility — now more than 16,000 square feet.

    The new Taoglas IoTx Center offers a fully equipped design and test location that supports companies seeking a competitive, time-to-market advantage for machine to machine (M2M) and IoT applications.

    According to Taoglas, the location offers support for customers at all stages of their product design cycle — from concept to certification readiness.

    “This kind of open-door policy is rare in the antenna and wireless device testing business,” explained Dermot O’Shea, president of Taoglas USA. “We have expanded our engineering team, added more test equipment, and now have two chambers here to increase design and test capacity. As well as being able to prototype antennas and PCBs, we can test the antenna and devices in operation on site to ensure they work reliably in the real world.

    “We have also now added an antenna and cable assembly operation so we can quickly produce antenna and custom RF cable orders here in San Diego,” O’Shea said. “Quite often customers require products in a few days rather than weeks and we have now facilitated that demand with this new move.”

    Taoglas has dedicated the facility to support it’s North American customer base. San Diego was chosen due to the strong, experienced talent pool in the areas of antenna and hardware design.

    In addition to the site’s two CTIA calibrated anechoic chambers, the campus includes a custom antenna and RF cable assembly facility, expanded development and office space as well as a well-equipped, sound-proofed customer lounge area with workspaces and other features to accommodate customers while testing and product development are in process. Taoglas will increase its San Diego staff by 50 percent this year and expects to double that in the next three years.

    “Our enlarged San Diego facility reflects our growth rate last year of almost 100%,” explained O’Shea. “We’re bullish about the potential in the Internet of Things (IoT) market, which is key for us. The vendors in this space who we support not only need the off-the-shelf or custom antennas we offer, they need design services and assistance.  All our services have clear explanations and fast deliverables, all available on our website.  You just select your service code, or call our sales, and we will book you in for work on your device immediately. No waiting around or complicated contractual discussions.

    “First time certification is also critical so wireless OEMs can avoid the hardware failures that are so common in the IoT sector. Having two anechoic testing chambers means we can work on multiple devices in real time, helping customers get successful products into the market first time and on time.”

    According to International Data Corp., the IoT market will grow to $1.7 trillion by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.9 percent. “We’re currently shipping millions of antennas per month into the IoT market,” O’Shea said. “Our larger campus here will be well utilized.” Taoglas also has offices in Minneapolis, Ireland, Taiwan and Germany.

    According to Rory Moore, a prominent San Diego technology company founder and investor, in addition to being CEO of Southern California startup incubator EvoNexus, “The enlarged Taoglas campus is another sign of success in the local innovation economy.  San Diego already has a strong base in IoT growth and this large new Taoglas IoTx facility cements San Diego as an IoT hub in a very hot sector. I also like the fact that Taoglas has been collaborating with SDSU (San Diego State University), building useful bridges between the business and educational communities.”

  • GPS World, Geospatial Solutions Report from Esri Conferences

    GPS World, Geospatial Solutions Report from Esri Conferences

    Geospatial Solutions Editor Eric Gakstatter, who is also a contributing editor to GPS World magazine, will be attending the 2013 Esri Survey Summit and Esri International User Conference, providing continuous new and analysis for the duration of both conferences. The conferences are being held this week in San Diego, California.

    On Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in Room 24A of the San Diego Convention Center, Gakstatter will deliver a presentation entitled “High-Precision GPS/GNSS on your Smartphone, Handheld and Tablet,” discussing trends and new product innovations for sub-meter and centimeter mapping on smartphone, handheld and tablet devices, including Windows Mobile, Android and iOS (Apple) devices.

    Steve Copley, GPS World and Geospatial Solutions associate publisher, shared images of the event on his Twitter account. A few of them are below.

    For live coverage all week follow:

    Eric Gakstatter @GPSGIS_Eric

    Steve Copley @SteveCopleyGPS

    Geospatial Solutions @GSS_NCM