In the rapidly evolving world of autonomous robotics, precision is paramount. A new partnership between Swift Navigation and SIMCom aims to bring centimeter-level accuracy to a wide range of robotic applications, from lawnmowers to agricultural vehicles, promising to enhance performance, safety, and reliability.
The collaboration integrates Swift’s Skylark Precise Positioning Service with SIMCom’s high-performance SIM66MD and SIM66D GNSS modules. This union is set to revolutionize the way outdoor robots navigate and operate. SIMCom’s modules, known for their compact designs and low power consumption, are already widely used in IoT and autonomous devices. By integrating Swift’s Skylark Nx RTK, the highest-precision variant of Skylark, these modules can now deliver continuous 1-2 cm accuracy across vast geographic areas, including all of Western Europe.
The implications of this partnership are significant. For instance, autonomous lawnmowers can follow precise mowing patterns, ensuring every inch of a lawn is covered without overlap. Agricultural vehicles can plant seeds with exact spacing, optimizing crop yield and reducing waste. Delivery robots can navigate narrow sidewalks and avoid obstacles, enhancing safety in public spaces. The carrier-grade network provided by Swift eliminates the need for developers to manage base stations or switch between multiple correction providers, simplifying the deployment of high-precision outdoor robots at scale.
Daniel Optendrenk, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Swift Navigation, emphasized the alignment of both companies’ missions. “SIMCom’s commitment to high performance and versatile design in their GNSS modules aligns perfectly with Swift’s mission to make high-precision positioning accessible and scalable. By integrating Skylark with the SIM66MD and SIM66D, we are directly addressing the critical need for reliable, low-cost precision in outdoor autonomous systems, giving developers the tools they need to achieve truly seamless operation.”
Chunlin Zhu, GNSS Product Line Director at SIMCom, highlighted the growing demand for high-accuracy, low-power positioning. “The demand for high-accuracy, low-power positioning is growing across all our target segments, particularly in the emerging field of autonomous robotics. This partnership ensures that our popular modules can immediately access Swift’s leading precise positioning network, providing a seamless path for our customers to achieve centimeter-level accuracy and gain a competitive edge in deploying fully autonomous solutions.”
The benefits of this integration are manifold. Autonomous operation is enhanced as robots can execute complex tasks with precision. Safety is improved through reliable geofencing, preventing robots from entering restricted zones or colliding with obstacles. Efficiency is boosted as reliable precision reduces path errors and minimizes overlap in coverage, maximizing battery life and operational uptime.
Customers purchasing SIMCom’s SIM66MD and SIM66D modules now get a 6-month free trial of Skylark Nx RTK, making it easier than ever to experience the benefits of centimeter-level accuracy. This partnership is a significant step forward in the world of autonomous robotics, promising to bring high-precision positioning to the masses and pave the way for a new era of intelligent, efficient, and safe outdoor robots.