Optimotive: Powering the Future of Field Robotic Data Collection with u-blox PointPerfect

Optimotive, a Canadian startup redefining field robotics, is transforming outdoor data collection with the IRIS MK2, an all-terrain autonomous robot equipped to perform complex surveying, scanning, and inspection tasks with minimal human intervention.

With active deployments across Canada and expansion plans underway, Optimotive is scaling its operations with support from u-blox PointPerfect Flex, the PPP-RTK GNSS correction service enabling centimeter-level positioning accuracy in the most challenging environments.

Challenges

Challenge #1: High precision and reliability in rugged environments To deliver consistent, survey-grade data, IRIS MK2 must operate with extremely high positional accuracy, even in complex, GNSS-challenged environments like dense urban job sites, remote solar farms, and dusty, obstructed terrains. Precise location data, down to the centimeter level, must be transmitted in real time with mission-critical reliability, ensuring that autonomous navigation and data capture routines are both accurate and repeatable. Challenge #2: Simplifying integration of high-precision GNSS systems Integrating PPP-RTK GNSS corrections can often involve multiple vendors, antennas, and software stacks, creating challenges in manufacturing, support, and scaling. For a startup like Optimotive, minimizing technical overhead, integration friction, and maintenance burden was essential to accelerate deployment and customer adoption. Challenge #3: Enabling fully autonomous, off-grid deployment Optimotive designed IRIS MK2 to operate with minimal human intervention, even on sites with no local infrastructure. This meant the entire system, including navigation, connectivity, charging, and data upload had to be compact, lightweight, and completely self-sufficient, with no need for local base stations or GNSS infrastructure.

 

The  IRIS MK2, Optimotive’s latest-generation field robot, built for autonomous outdoor operation in complex environments like construction sites, solar farms, and off-grid infrastructure.

Key to its capabilities is the integration of u-blox’s PointPerfect GNSS correction service, which delivers 1–3 cm accuracy via L-band and IP-based delivery, no local base station required. Whether operating in urban centers or remote locations, IRIS maintains the precision needed for survey-grade data collection.

“We’re investing heavily into u-blox technology because it grows with us,” said Scott Fairley, CEO and Founder of Optimotive. “From RTK precision to scalable deployment, PointPerfect gives us flexible, real-time accuracy, whether we’re in the middle of a city or the middle of nowhere.”

Outcome #1 – Achieving cm-level precision anywhere, reliably

By integrating u-blox’s PointPerfect precise positioning service, Optimotive ensures IRIS MK2 can navigate complex environments with 1–3 cm accuracy, allowing autonomous 3D scanning and inspection routines to operate with confidence and consistency, no matter the conditions.

“We’re automating tasks that used to take hours of expert time. PointPerfect gives us the precision we need to make IRIS a real alternative to manual fieldwork.” Scott Fairley, CEO, Optimotive

Outcome #2 – Seamless GNSS integration, minimal overhead

Optimotive successfully integrated the u-blox ZED-F9P module with PointPerfect to deliver a streamlined, robust GNSS solution that works out of the box with minimal setup. The solution reduced the need for additional antennas, software licensing, or platform-specific configurations, saving on development time and field support costs.

Outcome #3 – Fully autonomous, lightweight deployment model

Thanks to the combination of u-blox GNSS and Optimotive’s modular robot-plus-base-station system (BOX), IRIS MK2 can be dropped into any environment and begin autonomous operation immediately, even off-grid. The lightweight GNSS footprint supports extended run times, simplified logistics, and scalable deployment across hundreds of job sites.

How it Works

Each IRIS MK2 unit is paired with BOX, a solar-powered robotic base station that provides:

• Wireless charging
• High-speed data upload
• Starlink satellite connectivity
• Autonomous mission planning and recovery

Thanks to PointPerfect, IRIS robots can be dropped into a job site and activated within minutes, without the need for complex GNSS infrastructure or manual calibration.

As things stand now

With u-blox PointPerfect at its core, IRIS MK2 is enabling:

• Up to 90% reduction in manual surveying time
• Consistent, repeatable scans for improved quality control and compliance
• Seamless operation across hundreds of sites with minimal human oversight
• Expansion into the U.S., Japan, and Middle East through scalable deployment

From BIM integration and virtual design construction (VDC) to preventative maintenance inspections, Optimotive is helping general contractors and industrial operators make faster, smarter decisions, powered by high-quality, autonomous data capture.

What’s on the horizon

As Optimotive moves from small-batch production to scaled deployment, the company is doubling down on its partnership with u-blox to bring robotic field automation to more sectors and geographies.

“Our mission is to automate the world’s toughest data collection tasks,” said Fairley. “With u-blox, we’re one step closer.”