GPS World

Tag: SIMCom

  • SimCom’s GNSS modules now integrated with Swift’s Skylark service

    SimCom’s GNSS modules now integrated with Swift’s Skylark service

    Swift Navigation and SimCom are partnering to deliver centimeter-level GNSS accuracy to high-volume robotics applications worldwide. The collaboration integrates Swift’s Skylark precise positioning service with SIMCom’s high-performance SIM66MD and SIM66D GNSS modules.

    This combination allows manufacturers and developers using these modules to activate centimeter-accurate satellite positioning, dramatically improving the performance, safety and reliability of robotic lawnmowers, delivery robots, agricultural vehicles, and other autonomous systems. SIMCom’s GNSS modules have compact designs, low power consumption, and wide array of interfaces, making them suitable for seamless integration into diverse IoT and autonomous devices.

    Swift’s Skylark Nx RTK, the highest precision variant of Skylark, leverages a proprietary atmospheric model to deliver continuous 1-2 cm accuracy across vast geographic areas, including all of Western Europe. The carrier-grade network eliminates the need for developers to manage base stations or switch between multiple correction providers, simplifying deployment of high-precision outdoor robots at scale.

    Key benefits for autonomous navigation:

    • Autonomous Operation. Centimeter-level accuracy is essential for robots to execute complex tasks, such as following precise mowing patterns, planting seeds with exact spacing, or navigating narrow construction sites.
    • Safety and Geofencing. Precise localization enables reliable enforcement of virtual boundaries (geofencing), preventing robots from entering restricted zones or colliding with obstacles, which is critical for safety in public or shared spaces.
    • Improved Efficiency. Reliable 1-2 cm precision reduces path errors, minimizes overlap in coverage (e.g., in farming or lawn care), and ensures the robot consistently reaches its exact target destination, maximizing battery life and operational uptime.

    Customers purchasing SIMCom’s SIM66MD and SIM66D modules now receive a six-month free trial of Skylark Nx RTK.

  • u-blox, SIM Technology terminate asset purchase agreement 

    u-blox and SIM Technology Group Limited of Shanghai, China, have announced that u-blox will not be acquiring the SIMCom cellular module product line as previously planned.

    Despite best efforts on the part of SIM Technology Group and u-blox, the companies could not close the deal as originally intended and were unable to find alternatives that worked for both while sustaining the intended benefits. Both parties have therefore decided to  terminate the Asset Purchase Agreement and Technology Assignment Contract with all ancillary agreements.

    “While we are disappointed that the deal has not come to fruition, u‑blox and SIM Technology Group Limited continue to have a good relationship and expect to find other ways of working together in the future,” said u-blox CEO Thomas Seiler.

    “Our strategy for cellular products remains focused on growth,” Seiler said. “For some time now we have been working on adapting our product range to achieve a stronger geographical diversification mainly for the Asian markets, where we make 50 percent of our global revenue. The strong move to LTE based connectivity will naturally open new strategic windows. Our strong focus and investment in our own chipset development especially for IoT applications is a key part of our strategy. Our guidance indicates a continued strong growth.”

    As a result of this situation, u-blox has revised its guidance figures for 2017 back to levels as provided on Jan.11, 2017, and foresees for FY 2017 continued growth in all regions expecting revenues of between CHF 410 and 425 million, with EBIT in the range of CHF 60 to 65 million.