Hexagon AB has taken a significant step towards bolstering its autonomous agricultural solutions with the completion of its acquisition of Septentrio, a Belgian leader in high-precision GNSS positioning technology. This strategic move is set to enhance Hexagon’s offerings in the realm of autonomous farming, including autosteer retrofit kits, self-driving tractors, robotic implements, and precision spraying systems.
Septentrio’s GNSS receivers are renowned for their centimeter-level accuracy, signal robustness, and ability to operate effectively in challenging environments. These features are crucial for autonomous systems that need to navigate and function reliably in the varied and often harsh conditions found on farms. The technology is already being utilized by several ag-robot manufacturers to enable precise row-level navigation, obstacle avoidance, and implement guidance.
By integrating Septentrio into its Autonomous Solutions division, Hexagon aims to accelerate the development and deployment of high-precision positioning tools tailored for autonomous farming equipment. This integration is expected to provide a significant boost to the reliability and resilience of autonomous systems in agriculture.
Gordon Dale, President of Hexagon’s Autonomous Solutions division, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition. “Combining Hexagon’s broad positioning portfolio with Septentrio’s innovative GNSS platforms will allow us to better support mission-critical autonomy in agriculture,” Dale stated. This synergy is anticipated to drive forward the development of more advanced and reliable autonomous solutions for the agricultural sector.
Septentrio will continue to serve its existing base of OEM customers, which includes developers of autonomous field robots and smart implements. The company’s portfolio includes GNSS modules specifically designed for agricultural machinery, supporting real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections, Precise Point Positioning (PPP), and anti-jamming technologies. These features ensure reliable operation even in challenging conditions, such as under tree cover or near obstructions.
Antoon De Proft, CEO of Septentrio, expressed enthusiasm about the future prospects. “We see a strong future for advanced positioning in agriculture,” De Proft said. “Joining Hexagon helps us scale our technology and reach more ag-tech developers focused on automation, efficiency, and sustainability.”
The acquisition of Septentrio follows Hexagon’s previous investment in GNSS technology, including the acquisition of NovAtel in 2007. With this latest addition, Hexagon further solidifies its ability to deliver end-to-end autonomy solutions for the agricultural sector. This move supports the transition from assisted steering to full machine autonomy, aligning with the growing demand for automated and efficient farming practices.
As the agricultural industry continues to embrace technology to enhance productivity and sustainability, Hexagon’s acquisition of Septentrio positions the company at the forefront of this technological revolution. The integration of Septentrio’s high-precision GNSS technology with Hexagon’s existing capabilities is poised to drive innovation and set new standards in autonomous farming solutions.
