Advanced navigation systems for Unmanned Surface Vehicles – USV

A USV, or Unmanned Surface Vessel, is a type of autonomous or remotely controlled watercraft designed to operate on the surface of the water without a crew onboard. USVs are used for various purposes, such as reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence (ISR) missions.
These vessels are valued for their ability to reduce operational risk, operate in hazardous environments, their cost-effectiveness, and their ability to collect data in real-time while being controlled remotely or pre-programmed for autonomous missions.
Navigation systems are vital for the functioning of Unmanned Surface Vehicles. They provide the necessary technology for autonomous and remote-controlled navigation of vessels over water. These systems integrate various technologies to ensure accurate, reliable, and efficient navigation in diverse maritime environments.

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Autonomous guidance and control systems

Our motion and navigation systems feed the USV’s decision-making processes, enabling it to autonomously follow predefined routes, avoid obstacles, and respond to changes in the environment.
Our USV solutions use advanced algorithms to ensure efficient and safe navigation. Based on sensor data, they adjust the vehicle’s course in real time.
Our maritime inertial solutions enable remote operators to monitor and control the USV. They transmit real-time navigation data, sensor readings, and video back to a control station.
Communication links allow operators to intervene in critical situations, ensuring safe and efficient navigation over long distances or during complex missions.

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Real-Time Kinematic positioning for USVs

Real-time kinematic (RTK) systems provide centimeter-level positioning accuracy by correcting GNSS data with real-time information from a reference station. It is essential for USV operations that require high precision.
GNSS, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, provides global positioning data to determine the USV’s exact location (latitude, longitude, and altitude). GNSS offers precise positioning and navigation in open-water environments where satellite signals are available, allowing USVs to follow predefined routes and reach designated waypoints with high accuracy.
GNSS accuracy can be improved by using real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) or precise point positioning (PPP), which computes or models the errors encountered in GNSS.

Data fusion and sensor integration

Our inertial sensors often integrate data from multiple sensors (GNSS, IMU, sonar…) to improve positioning accuracy and reliability. Sensor fusion enhances overall navigation performance, allowing the USV to operate effectively in complex environments where a single navigation method may be insufficient.
With our autonomous guidance, navigation and control systems, USVs minimize the risks of human error, ensuring more consistent performance during complex missions.
USVs provide cost-effective, safe, and highly versatile solutions for various maritime tasks, from defense and surveillance to environmental monitoring and data collection, while offering superior endurance and precision.

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Our strengths

Our inertial navigation systems offer several advantages for Unmanned Surface Vehicles, including:

Navigation in dynamic environments Precise positioning and orientation data to navigate reliably in challenging maritime conditions.
Robust performance in GNSS-denied areas Uninterrupted operation in environments with GNSS disruptions, such as ports, bridges, or offshore structures.
Compact and lightweight Small form factor for seamless integration into USVs and minimal impact on payload capacity and design.
Improved stability and control Real-time motion data to enhances the stability and control of USVs, for precise mission execution.

Solutions for unmanned surface vehicles

Our innovative solutions deliver exceptional precision and robustness, ensuring your vessel perform optimally in any maritime environment. From exploration to defense, our technology provides the reliability you need.

Pulse 40 IMU Unit Checkmedia Right

Pulse-40

Pulse-40 IMU is ideal for critical applications. Make no compromise between size, performance, and reliability.
Tactical grade IMU 0.08°/√h noise gyro 6µg accelerometers 12-gram, 0.3 W
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Ellipse A AHRS Unit Right

Ellipse-A

Ellipse-A delivers high-performance orientation and heave in a cost-effective AHRS, with precise magnetic calibration and robust temperature tolerance.
AHRS 0.8 ° Heading (Magnetic) 5 cm Heave 0.1 ° Roll and Pitch
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Ellipse E INS Unit Right

Ellipse-E

Ellipse-E offers precise navigation by integrating with external GNSS and sensors, delivering roll, pitch, heading, heave, and position data.
INS External GNSS 0.05 ° Roll & Pitch 0.2 ° Heading
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Ellipse N INS Unit Right

Ellipse-N

Ellipse-N is a compact, high-performance single antenna GNSS offering precise centimeter-level positioning and robust navigation.
INS Single Antenna RTK GNSS 0.05 ° Roll & Pitch 0.2 ° Heading
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Ellipse D INS Unit Right

Ellipse-D

Ellipse-D is the smallest Inertial Navigation System with dual-antenna GNSS, offering precise heading and centimeter-level accuracy in any condition.
INS Dual Antenna RTK INS 0.05 ° Roll and Pitch 0.2 ° Heading
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Ekinox Micro INS Unit Right

Ekinox Micro

Ekinox Micro is a compact, high-performance INS with dual-antenna GNSS, delivering unmatched accuracy and reliability in mission-critical applications.
INS Internal GNSS single/dual antenna 0.015 ° Roll and Pitch 0.05 ° Heading
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Download our leaflet

Our brochures present comprehensive information about cutting-edge navigation systems engineered to provide remarkable accuracy and longevity in Unmanned Surface Vehicles.

Case studies

Discover the impact of our USV navigation solutions through our in-depth case studies, showcasing their pivotal role in driving success across a wide range of projects. Our cutting-edge technology delivers unparalleled accuracy and reliability, perfectly customized to meet the unique demands of various maritime operations.

Marine Technology

Marine Techonology integrates SBG’ INS/GNSS into HydroDron USV

USV navigation

Marine Technology
SeaRobotics

Motion, Heave & Navigation solutions for Bathymetric USV

Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)

Searobotics Usv
Unmanned Survey Solution

Navsight enables multi-beam & laser surveys onboard USV

USV surveying

Onboard USV With INS
Discover all our case studies

They talk about us

Hear first hand, from the innovators and clients who have adopted our technology.

Their testimonials and success stories illustrate the significant impact our sensors have in practical autonomous vehicles applications.

University of Waterloo
“Ellipse-D from SBG Systems was easy to use, very accurate, and stable, with a small form factor—all of which were essential for our WATonoTruck development.”
Amir K, Professor and Director
Fraunhofer IOSB
“Autonomous large-scale robots will revolutionize the construction industry in the near future.”
ITER Systems
“We were looking for a compact, precise and cost-effective inertial navigation system. SBG Systems’ INS was the perfect match.”
David M, CEO

Do you have questions?

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What is the inertial guidance system of a USV?

An inertial guidance system for an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) is crucial for precise navigation and control, especially when GNSS is unavailable. Inertial sensors track motion and orientation, enabling effective navigation in challenging environments.

 

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) integrate IMU data with other systems, such as GNSS or Doppler Velocity Logs, for enhanced accuracy. They also employ navigation algorithms, such as Kalman Filtering, to calculate position and velocity.

 

Inertial sensors support autonomous operation, providing accurate heading and position data for various applications. They ensure effective operation in GNSS-denied conditions and allow real-time adjustments for enhanced maneuverability.

What is a payload?

A payload refers to any equipment, device, or material that a vehicle (drone, vessel …) carries to perform its intended purpose beyond the basic functions. The payload is separate from the components required for the vehicle operation, such as its motors, battery, and frame.

Examples of Payloads:

  • Cameras: high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging cameras…
  • Sensors: LiDAR, hyperspectral sensors, chemical sensors…
  • Communication equipment: radios, signal repeaters…
  • Scientific instruments: weather sensors, air samplers…
  • Other specialized equipment

What is the difference between IMU and INS?

The difference between an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and an Inertial Navigation System (INS) lies in their functionality and complexity.

 

An IMU (inertial measuring unit) provides raw data on the vehicle’s linear acceleration and angular velocity, measured by accelerometers and gyroscopes. It supplies information on roll, pitch, yaw, and motion, but does not compute position or navigation data. The IMU is specifically designed to relay essential data about movement and orientation for external processing to determine position or velocity.

 

On the other hand, an INS (inertial navigation system) combines IMU data with advanced algorithms to calculate a vehicle’s position, velocity, and orientation over time. It incorporates navigation algorithms like Kalman filtering for sensor fusion and integration. An INS supplies real-time navigation data, including position, velocity, and orientation, without relying on external positioning systems like GNSS.

 

This navigation system is typically utilized in applications that require comprehensive navigation solutions, particularly in GNSS-denied environments, such as military UAVs, ships, and submarines.