Press releases
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17 Jun 2021
Low-speed calibration brings highly accurate and reliable positioning to new markets
Thalwil, Switzerland – June 17, 2021 – u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a leading global provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has released a firmware update for its ZED-F9R positioning module, bringing robust centimeter-level positioning to slow moving use cases such as robotic lawnmowers, e-scooters, and shared bicycles. Based on the ZED-F9R high-precision sensor-fusion module, the u-blox ZED-F9R-02B was designed for use in autonomous and industrial applications that require simple and efficient implementation and where rapid access to highly accurate positioning data is key, even in challenging signal environments such as dense cities.
The ZED-F9R uses the u-blox F9 multi-band global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver platform to concurrently track up to four GNSS constellations. Applying real-time kinematic (RTK) techniques, the module can derive positioning data with centimeter-level accuracy. The high-precision GNSS measurements are fused with data from the module’s inertial measurement unit (IMU), GNSS correction data, odometry information, and a vehicle dynamics model to provide high-quality positioning accuracy in situations where GNSS alone would fail. The receiver includes dynamic models for robotic lawnmowers, e-scooters, and automobiles.
The ZED-F9R-02B integrates the u-blox GNSS correction data service, broadcast in the highly scalable state-space representation (SSR) format, making it easier to deliver fast time-to-market precise positioning solutions.
Enabling new business models
Robotic lawnmowers achieve further improvements in terms of their positioning accuracy thanks to the module’s ability to calibrate its dead reckoning system even at low speeds. The module’s highly accurate position output lets end users precisely delimit the mowing area using software rather than with boundary wires and deploy robotic lawnmowers on complex lawn shapes while excluding trees and shrubs. Aligning each pass of the mower with the next more accurately than previously possible, delivering a professional-looking striped lawn.
Combining these features allows product designers to use the module to create mowing equipment that enables “robotic mowing as a service” capable of operating in complex environments without the upfront cost and commitment of installing boundary wires.
“Our new ZED-F9R-02B high precision module is a turnkey dead reckoning solution that will enable designers to bring products that need dead reckoning technology to market more quickly than if they had to implement it from scratch,” says Alex Ngi, Product Manager, Industrial Navigation and Robotics, Product Center Positioning at u-blox. “It will also allow companies working in niche markets to employ dead reckoning technologies without needing to build and maintain expertise in the subject.”
The ZED-F9R-02B offers support for a range of correction services, including the SPARTN format, which will make it straightforward to distribute GNSS correction data over large geographical areas.
About u‑blox
u‑blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global technology leader in positioning and wireless communication in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Their smart and reliable solutions, services and products let people, vehicles, and machines determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules, and secure data services and connectivity, u‑blox is uniquely positioned to empower its customers to develop innovative and reliable solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost‑effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, the company is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA. (www.u‑blox.com)
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u‑blox media contact:
Natacha Seitz
Senior Manager PR and Content Marketing
Mobile +41 76 436 0788
natacha.seitz@u-blox.com