Hexagon | NovAtel to enhance its sensor fusion technology for superior positioning through a collaboration with GPR, Inc.

To do so, NovAtel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Massachusetts-based GPR, Inc. to integrate GPR’s WaveSense ground-penetrating radar technology.

Under this agreement, NovAtel will explore the full potential of integrating its renowned SPAN system with GPR’s unique subsurface mapping technology. This exploration aims to deliver customers a robust positioning solution, ensuring consistent, centimetre-level accuracy even in GPS-denied or environmentally challenging conditions in autonomy, mining and other mission-critical applications.

“NovAtel is committed to delivering high-precision, reliable positioning solutions that meet our customers’ needs – for both accuracy and deployment feasibility,” stated Sandy Kennedy, vice-president of innovation with Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division. “GPR’s innovative solution is a complementary addition to SPAN to meet the rigorous positioning performance requirements for applications from mining to autonomy.”

Historically, SPAN GNSS+INS technology has provided reliable, continuously available position, velocity and attitude (PVA) during short GNSS interruptions, like overhead foliage and buildings, by coupling GNSS with inertial measurement unit (IMU) data. Adding WaveSense as another independent input means SPAN can provide an accurate PVA solution without access to GNSS signals for extended periods caused by obstructions, scintillation events or jamming attacks. Combining SPAN and WaveSense technologies will enhance accuracy and reliability in challenging navigation conditions, including GNSS-denied environments and environments without well-defined surface structures or clear visibility.

“We are pleased that Hexagon, a world leader in positioning solutions, recognises the value of GPR's WaveSense technology in advancing autonomous mobility,” said Moran David, CEO of GPR, Inc. “This agreement is a strong validation of the market’s need for our combined solutions and a testament to GPR’s unique capability to provide unparalleled reliability in localisation, even in the most challenging environments.”

Under this MOU, both parties will collaborate on complete integrations in selected use cases to demonstrate SPAN + WaveSense in challenging, high-reliability applications before moving on to a full product definition and supply agreement.

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