Centimetre-level GPS technology simplifies precise positioning

u-blox has launched a firmware update for its ZED-F9R positioning module, bringing robust centimetre-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 ZED-F9R-02B was created for usage in autonomous and industrial applications that need simple and efficient implementation and where rapid access to highly accurate positioning data is essential, even in challenging signal environments such as dense cities.

The device employs the u-blox F9 multi-band GNSS receiver platform to concurrently track up to four GNSS constellations. Applying RTK techniques, the module can derive positioning data with centimetre-level accuracy. The high-precision GNSS measurements are combined with data from the module’s IMU, GNSS correction data, odometry information, and a vehicle dynamics model to produce high-quality positioning accuracy when GNSS alone would fail. The receiver comprises dynamic models for robotic lawnmowers, e-scooters, and automobiles.

The device integrates the company's GNSS correction data service, broadcast in the highly scalable SSR format, making it simpler to achieve fast time-to-market precise positioning solutions.

“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 device provides support for various correction services, including the SPARTN format, which will make it straightforward to distribute GNSS correction data over large geographical areas.