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The Australian developer of AI-based inertial navigation systems announced it has expanded its Boreas digital fibre-optic gyroscope range with the release of its new A series.
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The new additions are expected to provide superior accuracy, stability, and reliability across all conditions, without needing to rely on the global navigation satellite system.
The A70 and A90 – which comprise the A series – are inertial measurement units that boast reduced size, weight, power, and cost compared to other alternatives, the company explained.
Both feature ultra-high accuracy digital fibre-optic gyroscopes and closed-loop accelerometers, enabling the systems to excel in surveying, mapping, and navigation across land, air, and sea – including in subsea applications.
The digital fibre-optic gyroscope was developed over 25 years with support from two research institutions.
Xavier Orr, chief executive officer and co-founder of Advanced Navigation, explained that the new additions will help companies “unlock new possibilities”.
“Our world-first Boreas DFOG technology represented a step-change for fibre-optic gyroscopes. The addition of the A Series ensures we have greater ability to meet the rapidly growing demand for ultra-high accuracy solutions, even in the most demanding conditions,” Orr explained.
“The A Series is an embodiment of industry-leading performance and cost-effectiveness. We look forward to seeing this technology unlock new possibilities across an expanse of fields, from autonomous vehicles and land surveying to subsea navigation and mining.”
Professor Arnan Mitchell, director of the Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre at RMIT University, explained how the company has been able to develop accurate systems despite decreasing their size.
“By printing optical components onto a tiny chip, we are creating more compact and reliable fibre-optic gyroscopes with Advanced Navigation,” Professor Mitchell explained.
In June, the Australian Space Agency awarded a $5.2 million Moon to Mars Initiative: Demonstrator Mission Grant to Advanced Navigation.
The grant is expected to support NASA’s endeavour to explore the moon and Mars by accelerating development and production of LiDAV, spacecraft autonomy, and space navigation.
Advanced Navigation will deliver a space-qualified light detection, altimetry and velocimetry sensor called LUNA (laser measurement unit for navigational aid) to US-based space systems company Intuitive Machines as part of NASA’s ongoing Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
LUNA technology is expected to be demonstrated on board Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander during the final descent en route to the lunar surface and improve the safety and reliability of autonomous landing manoeuvres before being offered commercially for integration into landers from 2025–26.
Orr said the technology will enable reliable navigation on the lunar surface and serve as a catalyst for autonomous space exploration and transportation.
“We are humbled the Australian Space Agency has awarded Advanced Navigation a Demonstrator Mission Grant as it represents a pivotal milestone in the company’s trajectory, as we embark to be among the first Australian technologies to reach the moon,” he said.
“Our work with Intuitive Machines will enhance Australia’s sovereign space capabilities, further unlock the commercial space economy, and ignite a new era of innovation as we push the boundaries of scientific discoveries and exploration on the moon and beyond.”
