Advanced inertial navigation for autonomous vehicles

Autonomous vehicles can sense their environment and navigate without human intervention. They use a combination of advanced technologies, including sensors such as radars, cameras, LiDAR, GNSS, to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and control or monitor their movements using inertial navigation solutions. The goal of an autonomous vehicle is to drive safely and efficiently without human input.

There’s no room for navigation errors as even minor inaccuracies can lead to collisions or misjudgments. One of the biggest challenges in autonomous vehicles is integrating various sensor inputs into a cohesive system. Our products are designed to seamlessly integrate with other sensors like LiDAR, cameras, providing a comprehensive solution.

Vehicles encounter diverse conditions in real-world scenarios, from temperature fluctuations to vibrations. We guarantee that our products are built to withstand such conditions and offer consistent performance.

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High precision navigation for autonomous vehicles

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) offer numerous benefits for autonomous vehicle applications. By using sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes, INS solution provide continuous and accurate navigation data without reliance on external signals.

Our INS provide real-time updates on the vehicle’s position, velocity, and orientation, ensuring accurate navigation even in GNSS-denied environments.

We developed advanced algorithms to minimize errors over time, maintaining accuracy in vehicle positioning.

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Robustness in challenging environments

Our INS can operate effectively in areas where GNSS signals are weak or challenged, such as under tunnels, in urban canyons, or under canopy. They offer protections agains signal jamming or spoofing and will efficiently complement GNSS to enhance driving security and reliability.

Get access to instantaneous feedback on the vehicle’s motion for rapid decision-making and response to changing conditions. The absence of reliance on external signals allows our INS solutions to operate continuously, making it ideal for dynamic environments.

The data generated by INS can be used for advanced navigation algorithms, such as path planning, obstacle avoidance, and route optimization. Furthermore, it offers consistent performance regardless of external conditions, leading to more reliable autonomous systems.

Real-time data and sensor fusion

Our sensors provide real-time motion and orientation data, so autonomous vehicles can make immediate adjustments to steering, acceleration, and braking in response to changes in terrain, road conditions, or traffic. It also helps maintain stability and control.

Combined with other navigation aids (e.g., GNSS, LiDAR, cameras) they improve overall accuracy and reliability. These sensors fusion enhances situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.

By integrating data from multiple sensors, our INS can help correct inaccuracies caused by external factors, ensuring more reliable navigation.

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Our strengths

Our inertial navigation systems offer several advantages for autonomous vehicles, including:

High-accuracy navigation Precise positioning and orientation data, enabling accurate navigatation.
Dead reckoning Dependable navigation in tunnels, urban canyons, or under dense foliage.
Enhanced safety & control Real-time, high-frequency motion data, for improved vehicles stability and responsiveness.
Seamless integration Integrates effortlessly with LIDAR, cameras, and other vehicle sensors.

Our solutions for autonomous vehicles

Our solutions integrate seamlessly with UGV platforms, to deliver reliable performance in even the most challenging conditions.

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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Ekinox D INS Unit Right

Ekinox-D

Ekinox-D is an all-in-one Inertial Navigation System with integrated RTK GNSS receiver ideal for applications where space is critical.
INS Dual antenna RTK GNSS 0.02 ° Roll and Pitch 0.05 ° Heading
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Discover more about our comprehensive range of advanced inertial products specifically designed for Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) navigation.

Case studies

Discover how SBG Systems’ inertial solutions are revolutionizing autonomous vehicle technology in our case studies section. These real-world success stories highlight how our advanced inertial sensors deliver precise navigation and reliability in challenging environments.

From improving vehicle safety in urban settings to optimizing performance in GNSS-denied scenarios, our solutions empower autonomous vehicles to operate with unmatched accuracy and control.

Each case study provides valuable insights into the innovative ways our technology is driving the future of autonomous transportation.

Chalmers

Formula Student Driverless – Chalmers Team to Choose SBG INS GNSS

Self-driving car

Chalmers Formula Car
Yellowscan

Perfect accuracy and efficiency in LiDAR mapping with Quanta Micro

LiDAR mapping

Yellowscan Chooses Quanta Micro UAV
Leo Drive

Ellipse powers autonomous vehicles innovation

Autonomous vehicles navigation

Leo Drives Test Autonomous Car
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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.

Unmanned Solution
“We need ultra-high precision. Because the vehicle is driving on the road, we usually need centimeter-level accuracy. The accuracy of the IMU is very important because the vehicle sometimes loses its GNSS signal, such as an environment like a tunnel.”
R&D Team
Leo Drive
“Collaborating with SBG Systems and integrating the Ellipse-D into our vehicle has been essential in achieving the precision and reliability critical to our R&D efforts and autonomous operations.”
Oguzhan Saglam, Sales Manager
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

Do you have questions?

Find answers to the most common questions about the applications we showcase. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly!

What are the autonomy levels of autonomous vehicles?

The autonomy levels of autonomous vehicles are classified into six levels (Level 0 to Level 5) by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), defining the extent of automation in vehicle operation. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Level 0: No Automation – The human driver fully controls the vehicle at all times, with only passive systems like alerts and warnings.
  • Level 1: Driver Assistance – The vehicle can assist with either steering or acceleration/deceleration, but the human driver must remain in control and monitor the environment (e.g., adaptive cruise control).
  • Level 2: Partial Automation – The vehicle can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration simultaneously, but the driver must remain engaged and ready to take over at any moment (e.g., Tesla’s Autopilot, GM’s Super Cruise).
  • Level 3: Conditional Automation – The vehicle can handle all aspects of driving in certain conditions, but the human driver must be ready to intervene when requested by the system (e.g., highway driving). The driver doesn’t need to actively monitor but must remain alert.
  • Level 4: High Automation – The vehicle can perform all driving tasks autonomously within specific conditions or environments (like urban areas or highways) without human intervention. However, in other environments or under special circumstances, a human may need to drive.
  • Level 5: Full Automation- The vehicle is fully autonomous and can handle all driving tasks in all conditions without any human intervention. There is no need for a driver, and the vehicle can operate anywhere, under any conditions.

These levels help define the evolution of autonomous vehicle technology, from basic driver assistance to full autonomy.

What is an odometer?

An odometer is an instrument used to measure the distance traveled by a vehicle. It provides important information about how far a vehicle has gone, which is useful for various purposes such as maintenance scheduling, fuel efficiency calculations, and resale value assessment.

Odometers measure distance based on the number of rotations of the vehicle’s wheels. A calibration factor, based on the tire size, converts wheel rotations into distance.

In many navigation applications, especially in vehicles, odometer data can be integrated with INS data to improve overall accuracy. This process, known as sensor fusion, combines the strengths of both systems.

What are jamming and spoofing?

Jamming and spoofing are two types of interference that can significantly affect the reliability and accuracy of satellite-based navigation systems like GNSS.

 

Jamming refers to the intentional disruption of satellite signals by broadcasting interfering signals on the same frequencies used by GNSS systems. This interference can overwhelm or drown out the legitimate satellite signals, rendering GNSS receivers unable to process the information accurately. Jamming is commonly used in military operations to disrupt the navigation capabilities of adversaries, and it can also affect civilian systems, leading to navigation failures and operational challenges.

 

Spoofing, on the other hand, involves the transmission of counterfeit signals that mimic genuine GNSS signals. These deceptive signals can mislead GNSS receivers into calculating incorrect positions or times. Spoofing can be used to misdirect or misinform navigation systems, potentially causing vehicles or aircraft to veer off course or providing false location data. Unlike jamming, which merely obstructs signal reception, spoofing actively deceives the receiver by presenting false information as legitimate.

 

Both jamming and spoofing pose significant threats to the integrity of GNSS-dependent systems, necessitating advanced countermeasures and resilient navigation technologies to ensure reliable operation in contested or challenging environments.