OxTS launches infrastructure-less GNSS-denied localization solution

OxTS has launched WayFinder, a new solution designed to enable localization in GNSS-denied environments. Integrating a GNSS/INS system, an onboard processor, a Lidar scanner and two cameras, the solution enables localization in urban canyons, underground tunnels and other areas with limited satellite coverage, opening up potential applications in multiple sectors.

Accurate localization data is fundamental to a wide range of industries, from autonomous navigation to automotive testing and georeferencing sensor data. However, a persistent challenge remains: obtaining precise positioning information in areas where GNSS signals are weak or entirely unavailable.

WayFinder integrates a GNSS/INS system, an onboard processor, a Lidar scanner and two cameras to provide a seamless navigation solution. It is designed to function out of the box, requiring only basic configuration before it is operational. The key to its capability lies in LiDAR Boost, a newly developed software technology that enhances OxTS’s GNSS/INS performance in environments where satellite signals are unreliable.

High-accuracy localization in urban canyons

LiDAR Boost uses advanced algorithms to process data from the integrated Lidar scanner, compensating for missing or erroneous GNSS updates in real time. This allows WayFinder to maintain high-accuracy localization even in urban canyons, underground tunnels or other areas with limited satellite coverage. The system ensures a smooth transition between GNSS-supported and GNSS-denied environments, enabling continuous navigation without disruption.

The potential applications for WayFinder span multiple sectors. In ports, it can provide precise localization for autonomous vehicles operating between stacked shipping containers. In mining, it can support navigation for both underground and surface vehicles. It also offers a flexible solution for indoor automotive testing, eliminating the need for fixed infrastructure. Additionally, surveyors working in areas with intermittent GNSS coverage can benefit from its reliable positioning capabilities.

With WayFinder, OxTS aims to bridge the gap in localization technology, offering a robust solution for industries that rely on precise navigation data across diverse environments.