Tag: autonomous vehicles

Inertial Labs enhances remote sensing payload

Image: Inertial Labs

Inertial Labs has launched the RESEPI lidar Gen-II remote sensing payload instrument. It comes in three modes to cater to users’ individual operational needs: aerial mode for comprehensive airborne data collection, mobile mode for dynamic vehicular data collection and a versatile handheld/backpack that aims to provide portability and ease of use for ground personnel.

The RESEPI lidar Gen-II has a 175% increase in computing power, designed to speed up processing and enhance efficiency during complex tasks. Its memory capacity has been increased by 700%, which allows for extensive data handling and improved system performance. The system’s 50% increase in storage capacity aims to facilitate longer durations of data collection without frequent offloads.

The Gen-II features seamless integration capabilities with UAVs and other platforms. The system’s sensor-agnostic design allows for external sensors to be easily integrated, including lidar and cameras. It can also compute point clouds, trajectories and solutions in real time, which is critical in time-sensitive missions. The system can be used in a variety of applications including mapping, inspection, autonomous, navigation and robotics.

February 23, 2024
Final grounding for Ingenuity?

NASA’s Ingenuity took this picture on Jan. 18, 2024. The sand-dune, rock-less area where Ingenuity last
showing the shadow of its damaged rotor blade. (Image: NASA)

It appears that the little extraterrestrial drone that could has come a cropper on Mars and now will not be flying again – it is permanently grounded. The Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) crew managing Ingenuity was running a regular scouting trip over a featureless sand-dune area on Dec. 22, 2023. Suddenly, the UAV’s visual navigation system malfunctioned, which led to a hard emergency landing.

When the autonomous navigation system did not have any landmarks to match its digital reference map, it reverted to an emergency landing. Maybe the poor guy should have had a few moments to gather its airborne wits and to come down softly, but alas at the same time the connection with the rover was lost, he dove for cover and broke a chunk off at least one of the counter-rotating blades. This now apparently prevents further take-offs. Mars’ atmosphere is only 1% as dense as Earth’s, so those rotors need all their designed lift capabilities to grab enough ‘air’ and get the 4 lb helicopter airborne. The flight control system may be unable to cope with the resulting compromised lift profile. Either way Ingenuity’s flying days are over, according to NASA.

Conceptual design for the Sample Recovery Helicopters
(Image: Aerovironment/ NASA/ JPL)

Ingenuity completed 72 flights over the course of three years, surpassing its original 30-day mission to prove the possibility of a miniature, autonomous helicopter flight on Mars. After its initial four flights, NASA and JPL chose the UAV to scout out safe paths for the Perseverance rover from an airborne perspective.

All is not lost for Ingenuity, however. AeroVironment, the UAV manufacturer that co-developed Ingenuity with NASA/JPL, has been awarded another contract to design and develop two prototype ‘sample-return’ helicopters for NASA’s next major Mars expedition.

Building on Ingenuity’s design, the new UAV will have wheels and a grappling contraption to pick up sample tubes, which could assist in the Mars sample recovery mission. Perseverance is currently expected to be the lead in transferring cached sample tubes to the new Sample Retrieval Lander for return to Earth, but the new helicopters provide a different backup option on Mars for pick-up and transport of the tubes.

Back here on Earth, the latest tragic news from the Middle East — the UAV attack on the US Tower 22 military outpost in Jordan which cost three soldiers their lives and injured at least 34 others — appears to have been due to a lack of defensive capability. Earlier news releases indicated that the kamikaze UAV had arrived at the same time as the expected return of a U.S. UAV from the base, implying that defenses may have been taken down temporarily. It now seems that there was little active defense to prevent the attack.

The attacking UAV reportedly came in very low, and the base was unable to track its approach. The base is said to have defensive signal jamming capabilities, but without radar visibility of the UAV and knowing an attack was in progress, the jammers may have been ineffective or inactive.

Tower 22 was thought of as a low-risk-of-attack U.S. base, perhaps supporting another U.S. base in Syria with logistics, so no active drone suppression system had been provisioned. This assessment, and those for similar bases in the area and around the world, may perhaps have to be revised and sufficient active defenses may need to be installed.

While U.S. and Ukrainian forces deal with attacking drones, Iran has unveiled its latest addition to its arsenal of one-way killer unmanned aircraft.

Image: Iranian Military Media

Iran displayed the Shahed-238 in public in November 2023, so there may have already been enough time to get some of these very fast-flying vehicles through the manufacturing process and begin deliveries to Russia and Iranian proxy agents. The advantage of jet-power is of course significant speed over propeller-driven variants, while the range may be significantly less for the same fuel capacity. The disadvantage for the United States and Ukraine is that most fielded conventional UAV detection radars have difficulty seeing fast targets in time to activate and aim defensive weapons.

The situation for Ukraine and the United States in the Middle East appears to be worsening as large numbers of Iranian-supplied and locally manufactured kamikaze UAVs are pumped into the war zone and ‘hot spots’ in the Middle East.

It is sad that Mars aerial views may be limited as Ingenuity seems to be permanently grounded, and the Middle East doesn’t sound too safe to be hanging around in either! Further escalation of prices might be expected, too, as a good part of the volume of cargo ships settle into sailing around Africa. Let’s look for better news in the coming months.

February 21, 2024
DTC, Inertial Labs collaborate on GNSS-denied UAV solution

Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) and Inertial Labs have partnered to develop an integrated uncrewed systems solution for UAV manufacturers and end users. The new solution combines technologies from both companies to create a single navigation, command and control (C2), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system.

DTC’s Manet Mesh radio — with MeshUltra product family waveforms — aims to provide robust, high-bandwidth C2 and ISR links, which can allow uncrewed vehicles to operate successfully in hostile RF environments. By integrating Inertial Labs’ inertial navigation system (INS) and DTC’s Mesh-based RF ranging capability, those same vehicles are designed to operate when space-based positioning systems are unavailable due to jamming, spoofing or lack of sky view. The INS provides assured position, navigation and timing (APNT), and alternative navigation (ALTNAV) solutions directly to the uncrewed vehicle.

February 21, 2024
SimActive launches upgraded cloud capabilities

Image: SimActive

SimActive has released upgraded cloud capabilities for its Correlator3D mapping software. With its distributed processing capabilities, Correlator3D allows users to scale their processing to match individual operational needs.

With the upgrade, Correlator3D can process large mapping projects and deliver results from UAV, aircraft and satellite imagery. It features a software package – a patented, end-to-end photogrammetry solution — designed to generate high-quality geospatial data from a variety of sources, including satellite and aerial imagery and UAVs. The upgrade aims to improve the technology’s performance in diverse cloud scenarios.

Correlator3D is designed to provide aerial triangulation (AT) and generate dense digital surface models (DSM), precise digital terrain models (DTM), point clouds, orthomosaics, 3D models and vectorized 3D features. By using GPU technology and multi-core CPUs, Correlator3D offers enhanced processing speed to support the rapid production of large datasets.

February 21, 2024
UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía unveils GNSS-denied navigation kit

Image: UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía

UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía has released its GNSS-denied navigation kit designed to offer navigation capabilities in challenging environments.

The kit combines UAV Navigation’s attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), the POLAR-300, with its Visual Navigation System, the VNS01, designed to offer unmatched dead reckoning navigation capabilities with minimal drift.

The technology offers users improved navigational accuracy, with error rates as low as 0-1% over covered distances. This is made possible by the kit’s visual-based technology, which allows for precise attitude and position estimation to stabilize flights in challenging conditions. The kit is equipped with advanced algorithms that can detect and counter sophisticated spoofing and jamming techniques to offer reliable and secure navigation, even in the face of potential signal disruptions.

As technology advances and geopolitical challenges emerge, the demand for reliable and secure navigation for UAVs intensifies. Offering operational integrity in both the civil and defense sectors is paramount, especially with the rise of disruptive systems designed to interfere with radio-electronic navigation and communication.

February 21, 2024
DTC, Inertial Labs collaborate on GNSS-denied UAV solution

Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) and Inertial Labs have partnered to develop an integrated uncrewed systems solution for UAV manufacturers and end users. The new solution combines technologies from both companies to create a single navigation, command and control (C2), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system.

DTC’s Manet Mesh radio — with MeshUltra product family waveforms — aims to provide robust, high-bandwidth C2 and ISR links, which can allow uncrewed vehicles to operate successfully in hostile RF environments. By integrating Inertial Labs’ inertial navigation system (INS) and DTC’s Mesh-based RF ranging capability, those same vehicles are designed to operate when space-based positioning systems are unavailable due to jamming, spoofing or lack of sky view. The INS provides assured position, navigation and timing (APNT), and alternative navigation (ALTNAV) solutions directly to the uncrewed vehicle.

February 20, 2024
Geely expands satellite network for autonomous vehicles

Image: Geely

Geely, a Chinese automaker, has launched its second set of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites in its effort to enhance navigation capabilities for autonomous vehicles. The 11 satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, China province.

According to Geely, the company aims to have 72 satellites in orbit by 2025. The long-term goal is to establish a constellation of 240 satellites to create a comprehensive satellite network for various applications.

Geely’s satellite network is designed to provide high-precision positioning support for autonomous vehicles. By using satellite technology, the company aims to enhance navigation accuracy to enhance safety and efficiency on the roads.

The newly launched satellites are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) remote sensing capabilities, which allows them to capture clear high-resolution imaging. With a resolution ranging from 3.2 ft to 16.4 ft, these satellites can provide valuable data and imagery for multiple applications, including surveillance, urban planning and infrastructure management.

China’s satellite industry has seen a significant surge in commercial activities since the government allowed private investment in the space sector. With supportive policies and investments, numerous commercial companies, including Geely, have ventured into satellite manufacturing and launch vehicles.

February 19, 2024
Seen & heard: Mapping the melting arctic and India’s war on drugs

“Seen & Heard” is a monthly feature of GPS World magazine, traveling the world to capture interesting and unusual news stories involving the GNSS/PNT industry.

Mapping the melting Arctic

Image: TT / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

According to the 2023 Arctic Report Card by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), new records have been documented showing that human-induced warming of the atmosphere, ocean and land is creating adverse impacts on people, ecosystems and communities across the Arctic region. The report states the Arctic is experiencing a faster rate of warming than any other part of the world. Overall, it was the Arctic’s sixth-warmest year on record. Sea ice extent continued to decline, with the past 17 Septembers now registering as the lowest on record.

GNSS enhances landslide monitoring in China

Image: pananba / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Researchers from Chang’an University in China have developed a new method of tracking landslides. The team combined GNSS precise point positioning (PPP) techniques with a cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) method. Conducted at the Tengqing landslide in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province, Southwest China, the study aims to enhance the precision in tracking the movements of the landslides and improve the overall reliability of the monitoring results.

Crabs on the move

Image: United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Georgia officials are asking the public for help in spotting non-native blue land crabs as they appear to be moving north in recent years, according to data collected by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). According to USGS, it is unclear whether this movement is driven by humans or by the crabs themselves, or if the crabs are breeding in their non-native homes. Officials worry about the damage caused by the crabs’ burrowing behavior. While scientists learn about how the species interacts with its new environment, several states are asking residents to report sightings.

India’s war on drugs

Image: evandrorigon / E+ / Getty Images

India’s border security force (BSF) has said it is battling an unprecedented UAV “menace” infiltrating the border with Pakistan, fueling the drug crisis in the state of Punjab and raising serious security issues, reported The Guardian. UAVs have dropped weapons such as pistols and Chinese-made assault rifles, as well as consignments of opium and heroin believed to be from Afghanistan.

February 16, 2024
Wingtra launches lidar UAV solution

Image: Wingtra

Wingtra, a UAV technology company, has introduced a lidar UAV mapping solution that combines the WingtraOne GEN II UAV with a newly developed lidar sensor. This integration aims to advance UAV lidar efficiency, increase accuracy and simplify integration.

The lidar solution incorporates a Hesai scanner, Inertial Labs IMU and NovAtel GNSS designed to optimize data acquisition and reduce the need for post-processing strip alignment. This advancement offers immediate access to precise terrain information following each flight and enhances the efficiency of mapping and photogrammetric analysis in various sectors.

One of the key features of the lidar system is its reduced field time, with no calibration needed and a one-minute initialization process. The Wingtra lidar application and the system’s automated features offer a streamlined data capture process, which makes it accessible even to those new to lidar technology.

Carlos Femmer, director of data acquisition at HDR, tested the Wingtra lidar payload and noted its ability to produce high-quality data on both vegetated and non-vegetated surfaces with minimal noise compared to other sensors in the same price range.

The solution offers a vertical accuracy of 3 cm from a 60 m flight height, with leading point density in its class. The WingtraOne GEN II’s design and automated flight patterns offer consistent results across different pilots.

February 15, 2024
Inside The Box: Understanding GNSS correction methods

Image: Point One Navigation

GNSS has transformed the way both individuals and machines navigate across the globe, leading to a growing number of organizations utilizing positioning data in the development of products and applications. GNSS technology plays a crucial role in enabling autonomous vehicles, robots, logistics fleets, and emergency response systems to accurately determine the precise locations of places, people, and things on Earth’s surface. As a result, routes are not only more accurate and efficient but also safer.

As a satellite-dependent navigation system, various atmospheric and technological factors can impact the accuracy and precision of GNSS signals. These signals often need to be corrected by receivers before they can be used for positioning, and various correction methods exist today to achieve this. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, catering to diverse accuracy requirements and application scenarios.

Five causes of GNSS signal inaccuracies

When choosing the best GNSS correction method for a specific project, it is important to comprehend signal errors and their underlying causes. GNSS errors result from a combination of elements, such as ephemeris inaccuracies, disparities in satellite clocks, conditions in the ionosphere and troposphere, and inconsistencies between various satellite systems. Each signal correction method addresses these elements differently, resulting in pros and cons that must be weighed before selecting and implementing a solution.

1. Inaccurate ephemeris data

To calculate their position on Earth, GNSS receivers need to know the exact position in space of the satellites they use. Satellite positioning and orbital parameters are represented in ephemeris data, but sometimes this data is incorrect. Ephemeris inaccuracies cause the receiver to not know the satellites’ exact positions, thereby degrading the accuracy of their position calculation.

2. Differences in satellite clocks

Even the highly accurate atomic clocks on GNSS satellites can introduce errors in the timestamps receivers use to calculate positions. The exceptionally high speed at which GNSS satellites travel in space (approximately 7,000 mph) adds another layer of complexity to these calculations because even a nanosecond of difference can lead to substantial positioning errors.

3. Conditions in the ionosphere

The ionosphere, the outermost layer of Earth’s atmosphere, consists of charged particles that can affect the speed of light and radio signals as they pass through it. Fluctuations in solar radiation and other ionospheric conditions can result in delays or distortions in GNSS signals, introducing measurement errors that require correction for precise positioning. Although the influence of the ionosphere can result in significant signal interpretation errors, correction methods can effectively model and account for them.

4. Conditions in the troposphere

Weather, which occurs in the troposphere, the innermost layer of Earth’s atmosphere, also impacts GNSS signals as they travel from satellites in space to receivers. Temperature, humidity, and pressure can affect the speed of light and radio signals much like the charged particles of the ionosphere, leading to even more delays and distortion in GNSS calculations. However, because weather is highly localized, tropospheric errors must be modeled and corrected from a relatively close distance to achieve the level of accuracy needed for precise positioning.

5. Group delay (code bias)

Different countries and organizations around the world operate GNSS satellites. While they are generally aligned, minor discrepancies in time references and frequencies exist that can impact the accuracy of GNSS positioning. This is known as group delay or code bias and must also be corrected to ensure that signals are interpreted correctly.

Types of GNSS corrections

Understanding the origin of errors is critical when selecting the optimal GNSS signal correction method for a particular product or application. Each method has advantages and disadvantages ranging in importance depending on the application of GNSS positioning

Real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) correction is widely regarded as the best method for achieving precise GNSS signal correction. It requires setting up a base station with a GNSS receiver at a very well surveyed location near the target area (usually within 30-50 kilometers), which transmits corrections to the end user’s GNSS receiver (called the rover). The proximity between the base station and the rover mitigates the impacts of signal errors. Any signal disparities that do exist can be analyzed to measure positional differences between the base and the rover, enabling the latter to calculate its position very precisely.

Real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) yields efficient and highly precise GNSS corrections but requires an extensive network
of base stations to support receivers across a large geographic area. (Image: Point One Navigation)

However, classical RTK solutions have a notable limitation: to achieve corrections over wide areas they require an extensive infrastructure of base stations, which can significantly escalate costs. Therefore, RTK is best for autonomous vehicles and consumer navigation and sub-optimal for positioning applications in remote areas.

Precise point positioning (PPP) utilizes a limited number of highly precise and accurate stations to correct GNSS signals. The PPP algorithm divides the responsibility for correction between these stations and GNSS receivers. As a first step, the PPP stations model various known sources of error within GNSS, such as ephemeris inaccuracies, clock discrepancies, and group delay. They then transmit this information to GNSS receivers to conduct further calculations based on local conditions and refine the error estimation. By combining the accumulated signal data with the known error sources provided by the PPP stations, GNSS receivers gauge both global and localized errors (including ionospheric and tropospheric effects), ultimately calculating the necessary signal corrections for accurate positioning.

Despite its high accuracy, the limited number of existing PPP stations results in a longer time for signal correction. Using the PPP method, signal correction may take approximately 20-25 minutes. Particularly challenging conditions can further prolong the time needed to correct the signal, as the receiver independently calculates both ionospheric and tropospheric effects.

PPP is best for heavy equipment operating in open water or remote locations and sub-optimal for consumer GNSS receivers and autonomous vehicles.

Precise point positioning (PPP) produces accurate signal corrections, but at a much slower speed than other solutions. (Image: Point One Navigation)

The forefront of GNSS signal correction technology today is state space representation (SSR). In addition to providing ephemeris, clock, and code bias discrepancy data like PPP, SSR offers valuable insights into other signal accuracy factors, even the highly localized interferences caused by the ionosphere and troposphere. Nonetheless, many GNSS receivers lack the capability to effectively process and convert this extensive data into meaningful positions. To address this challenge, SSR data can be transformed into a virtual base station (VBS), effectively simulating an RTK base station for legacy receivers. This bleeding edge method enables the utilization of SSR data even with conventional GNSS receivers, expanding access to high-precision positioning capabilities to more users. SSR is best for the automotive and robotics industries and sub-optimal for teams using generic receivers.

Choosing a GNSS correction method

Like all technology, GNSS correction methods are constantly evolving, making high-precision positioning more accessible and reliable across a wide range of applications. However, to serve the increasing demands of organizations using GNSS for applications requiring precise positioning, correction methods must be scalable, efficient and accurate.

Different methods for correcting GNSS signals offer varying levels of accuracy and suitability for specific applications. As they select which is best suited to their use case, users must prioritize their needs, as well as the benefits and trade-offs of each correction method. RTK produces fast, hyper-accurate results in developed areas but can be expensive to deploy in areas without the proper infrastructure. PPP methodology enables users in remote locations to access precise positioning information but can take a substantial amount of time. SSR is powering some of the most innovative applications in technology today, but is not as accessible as other methods due to the limitations of legacy receivers. Once they have assessed cost, speed and accessibility, developers can select the GNSS correction method that is best for their product or application. As this continued innovation in the GNSS space increasingly helps organizations overcome challenges in signal correction, it will be interesting to see what new cutting-edge technology develops to shape the future of our world.

February 9, 2024
Launchpad: Lidar scanners, OEMs and anti-jamming receivers

A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the January 2024 issue of GPS World magazine.

SURVEYING & MAPPING

Laser Scanning Measurement System
Compatible with specialized kits

The LS300 3D laser scanning measurement system utilizes simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology and advanced real-time mapping techniques. The LS300 3D operates autonomously, independent of GNSS positioning, making it ideal for harsh conditions in both indoor and outdoor environments.
LS300 includes a 120-meter working range and a sampling rate of 0.32 million points per second. Its point cloud accuracy is designed to perform in low reflectivity extended-range mode. The system is compatible with specialized kits, including the handheld form, back kit, car mount, and UAV kit.
By using data processing software specifically designed and developed for the LS series, users can handle large volumes of point cloud data and simplify complex tasks, including point cloud denoising, point cloud splicing, shadow rendering, coordinate transformation, automatic horizontal plane fitting, automatic point cloud data report generation, forward photography, and point cloud encapsulation.

During data post-processing, users can input absolute coordinates of control points, allowing these control points to adjust the data and improve scanning data accuracy. The LS300 incorporates a redundant battery design with two hot-swappable batteries, designed to prolong operation without frequent charging or interruptions.
ComNav Technology, comnavtech.com

Anti-jamming receiver
A jamming protector for legacy receivers

The KV-AJ3 tri-band anti-jamming receiver combines a digital antenna control unit (DACU) and a GNSS receiver. KV-AJ3 can be used as a jamming protector for legacy receivers or as a stand-alone GNSS receiver solution.
The tri-band solution decreases interferences from up to three directions in three frequency bands, including S-band. This approach is designed to provide significantly higher protection against interference compared to single-frequency devices.
The receiver has a digital port for navigation data output. Jamming-free RF signals can also be delivered to external non-protected GNSS receivers to obtain position, velocity, and time.

KV-AJ3 contains a MEMS inertial sensor, which allows for GNSS-aided INS solutions where coordinates and attitude angles are required.
Kosminis Vytis, kosminis-vytis.lt

Lidar sensor
Designed for high-speed airborne missions

The VUX-180-24 offers a field of view of 75º and a pulse repetition rate of up to 2.4 MHz. These features – in combination with an increased scan speed of up to 800 lines per second – which makes the VUX-180-24 suitable for high-speed surveying missions and applications where an optimal line and point distribution is required.
Typical applications include mapping and monitoring of critical infrastructure such as power lines, railway tracks, pipelines, and runways. The VUX-180-24 provides mechanical and electrical interfaces for IMU/GNSS integration and up to five external cameras.
This sensor can be coupled with RIEGL’s VUX-120, VU-160, and VUX-240 series UAVs. The system is available as a stand-alone sensor or in various fully integrated laser scanning system configurations with IMU/GNSS systems and optional cameras.
RIEGL, riegl.com

UAV detection technology
A 3D data fusion engine for complex environments

SensorFusionAI (SFAI) is a sensor-agnostic, 3D data fusion engine for complex environments. It accommodates all common UAV detection modalities, including radiofrequency, radar, acoustics, and cameras.

SFAI allows third-party C2 manufacturers to integrate SFAI into its C2 systems. This integration can be achieved through a subscription-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, enhancing system performance.

Key features of SFAI include behavior analysis to track an object to determine classification and predict trajectory; threat assessment that determines threat level based on a range of data types; and an edge processing device called SmartHub for reduced network load and high scalability.
DroneShield, droneshield.com

Thermal mapping solution
Designed for UAVs

The PT61 camera is a thermal mapping solution for UAVs. The camera system provides detailed thermal orthomosaic maps and accurate 3D models. Developed in partnership with Agrowing, the PT61 is a versatile tool designed for multispectral data collection in renewable energy and other domains.
The PT61 combines a 61-megapixel camera with integrated thermal imaging capability. It can also switch between RGB and multispectral modes, which aims to increase its versatility and address the increasing need for comprehensive data acquisition in various industrial and environmental applications.
Integrated with Agrowing’s multispectral lenses, the camera offers detail across 10 spectral bands and an infrared band, making it ideal for solar plant inspection and dam management.
The enhanced Topodrone post-processing software complements the hardware by streamlining remote sensing tasks, ensuring surveyors and researchers can achieve high levels of efficiency.
Topodrone, topodrone.com

OEM

Dual-band GNSS receiver
Achieves 50cm position accuracy without correction data

eRideOPUS 9 is a dual-band GNSS receiver chip that achieves 50cm position accuracy without correction data. eRideOPUS 9 is designed to provide absolute position information and can be used as a reference for lane identification, which is essential for services such as autonomous driving. It also serves as a reference for determining the final self-position through cameras, lidar, and HD maps.

The eRideOPUS 9 supports all navigation satellite systems currently in operation, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and NavIC. It can also receive L1 and L5 signals. The L5 band signals are transmitted at a chipping rate 10 times higher than L1 signals, which improves positioning accuracy in environments where radio waves are reflected or diffracted by structures, such as in urban areas — a phenomenon known as multipath.
A dual-band GNSS module incorporating eRideOPUS 9 is being jointly developed with Alps Alpine Co. and is scheduled for future release as the UMSZ6 series.
Furuno Electric Co., Furunousa.com

Lidar scanning module
Designed for OEM integration

The VQ-680 compact airborne lidar scanner OEM is designed to be integrated with large-format cameras or other sensors in complex hybrid system solutions.
It can be mounted inside a camera system connected to the IMU/GNSS system and various camera modules through a sturdy mechanical interface. The VQ-680 has laser pulse repetition rates of up to 2.4 MHz and 2 million measurements per second.
The VQ-680 is ideal for large-scale applications in urban mapping, forestry, and power line surveying. With a field view of 60º and RIEGL’s nadir/forward/backward (NFB) scanning, the system offers five scan directions up to ± 20º.
RIEGL, riegl.com

INS
A product for avionic applications

The ADC inertial navigation system (INS) is designed to calculate and provide air data parameters, including altitude, air speed, air density, outside air temperature, and windspeed for avionic applications.
ADC’s compact form simplifies integration into existing UAV systems with strict size and weight requirements. The INS calculates the air data parameters using information received from the integrated pitot and static pressure sensors, along with an outside air temperature probe.
This compact device consumes less than one watt of power. It is designed for demanding environments, has an IP67 rating, and integrates total and static pressure sensors to calculate indicated airspeed accurately. ADC supports aiding data from external GNSS receivers and ambient air data, enhancing its precision in a variety of flight conditions.
Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

Two tactical-grade IMU
With L5 capabilities

The VN-210-S GNSS/INS combines a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprised of a 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer with a triple-frequency GNSS receiver. The integrated 448-channel GNSS receiver from Septentrio adds several capabilities, including L5 frequencies, moving baseline real-time kinematics with centimeter-level accuracy, support for Galileo OSNMA, and robust interference mitigation.

These capabilities and high-quality hardware offer improved positioning performance in radio frequency-congested and GNSS-denied environments.
The VN-310-S dual GNSS/INS leverages VectorNav’s tactical-grade IMU and integrates two 448-channel GNSS receivers to enable GNSS-compassing for accurate heading estimations in stationary and low-dynamic operations. The VN-310-S also gains support for OSNMA and robust interference mitigation, offering reliable position data across a variety of applications and environments.

The VN-210-S and VN-310-S are packaged in a precision-milled, anodized aluminum enclosure designed to MIL standards and are IP68-rated. For ultra-low SWaP applications, VectorNav has introduced L5 capabilities to the VN-210E (embedded) when using an externally integrated L5-band GNSS receiver.
VectorNav, vectornav.com

Real-time INS
Used in large fleets

The Atlas inertial navigation system (INS) is designed for autonomous vehicles, mapping, and other applications. Atlas provides users with ground-truth level accuracy in real-time, which can streamline engineering workflows, significantly reduce project costs, and improve operational efficiency.
Atlas is designed to be used in large fleets. It integrates a highly accurate, low-cost GNSS receiver and IMU with the Polaris RTK corrections network and sensor fusion algorithms. The company aims to make it easier for businesses to equip their entire autonomous fleets with high-accuracy INS.
The system features a user-friendly interface, on-device data storage, and both ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. Field engineers can easily configure and operate Atlas using smartphones, tablets, and in-car displays.

Atlas can be used in a variety of sectors, including autonomous vehicles, robotics, mapping, and photogrammetry. Its real-time capabilities and affordability can enhance the widespread deployment of ground truth-level location in fleet operations.
Point One Navigation, pointonenav.com

UAV

USV
For autonomous bathymetric surveys

The Apache 3 Pro is an advanced compact hydrographic unmanned surface vehicle (USV) designed for autonomous bathymetric surveys in shallow waters. With its lightweight carbon fiber hull, IP67 rating, and semi-recessed motor, the Apache 3 Pro offers exceptional durability and maneuverability.

The Apache 3 Pro uses CHCNAV’s proprietary GNSS RTK + inertial navigation sensor to provide consistent, high-precision positioning and heading data even when navigating under bridges or in areas with obstructed satellite signals. The built-in CHCNAV D270 echosounder enables reliable depth measurement from 0.2 m to 40 m.
The USV is equipped with a millimeter-wave radar system that detects obstacles within a 110° field of view. When an obstacle is encountered, the USV autonomously charts a new course to safely navigate around it. The vessel uses both 4G and 2.4GHz networks to facilitate effective data transfer.

Even with a fully integrated payload, the USV can be easily deployed and controlled by a single operator in a variety of environmental conditions.
The Apache 3 Pro ensures reliable communications through its integrated SIM and network bridge with automatic switching. It also features seamless cloud-based remote monitoring that offers real-time status updates to enhance control and security. Its semi-recessed brushless internal rotor motors minimize drafts, which can improve the USV’s maneuverability in varying water depths.
CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

Anti-jamming receiver
Provides stable navigation in three frequency bands

KV-AJ3-A provides a stable navigation signal in three frequency bands, including S-band, even in the presence of jamming and other harsh conditions. The technology is MIL-STD compliant and meets the EMI/EMC requirements for avionics.

The direction of interfering signals is determined using a phased array antenna, which can then remove jamming signals from up to three directions. The original signal is either restored and delivered to external GNSS receivers or processed by the internal receiver to obtain position data.
The key components of this anti-jamming device are based on custom ASICs that allow users to achieve high jamming suppression and SWaP. KV-AJ3-A can be used for fixed installations and land, sea, and air platforms, including UAVs.
Kosminis Vytis, kosminis-vytis.lt

Development kit
With anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities

This eight-channel, CRPA, anti-jamming development kit is a set of instruments designed to help users add anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities to their receivers.
The main development tool is NT1069x8_FMC — an eight-channel receiver board. The eight coherent channels are based on NT1069, the RF application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that supports a high dynamic range of input signals.

Each channel performs amplification, down-conversion of GNSS signal to intermediate frequency (IF) and subsequent filtering and digitization by 14-bit ADC at 100 MSPS.

The board is compatible with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, and QZSS signals in the L1, L2, L3, L5 and S bands. Each RF channel has an individual RF input with the option to feed power to an active antenna.

The board also has an embedded GNSS receiver and an up-converter, or modulator, which can provide connection to an external GNSS receiver.
Kosminis Vytis, kosminis-vytis.lt

February 6, 2024
Spirent, dSPACE enhance autonomous driving test solutions

Image: metamorworks/iStock/Getty Images/Getty Images

dSPACE and Spirent Communications have entered a technology partnership, to enhance the realism of real-time positioning scenarios in autonomous driving hardware-in-the-loop (AD-HIL) test systems. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous driving technologies.

The partnership combines dSPACE’s AD-HIL systems with Spirent’s high-fidelity GSS7000 GNSS simulator. The integration allows developers to validate autonomous driving systems in critical location-based scenarios using real satellite signals. By offering a comprehensive, pre-integrated solution from a single source, the partnership aims to assure consistent performance and speed up the development process.

The precision and latency of GNSS-enabled systems are becoming increasingly vital, particularly in the context of higher levels of driving automation. To address these challenges, the GSS7000 simulator — which has high-fidelity radio frequency (RF) signal generation and low latency response — will work alongside dSPACE’s AD-HIL. Additionally, the partnership allows for the validation of jamming and spoofing scenarios as part of security-relevant functional tests for autonomous platforms. Additionally, Spirent’s SimHIL software interface is designed to provide effective communication between each partner’s systems.

The partnership aims to meet the growing demand for efficient and safe testing solutions for connected and autonomous vehicles, including at SAE Levels of Driving Automation at or beyond Level 3.

February 5, 2024