Precision navigation systems for Unmanned Ground Vehicles – UGV

Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) navigation refers to the methods and technologies used to autonomously or remotely control ground vehicles in various environments without a human operator onboard. UGVs are used in defense (e.g. unmanned tank), industrial, agricultural, and research applications for tasks that might be dull, dirty and dangerous for humans.

Their navigation systems rely on a combination of sensors, algorithms, and external inputs to guide them through complex terrains or execute mission-specific tasks. In military operations, UGVs offer mobility capabilities and use sensors and tools for surveillance, acquisition, reconnaissance and armament missions. UGVs reduce the risk to human soldiers by performing tasks in dangerous environments.

Home Defense Unmanned ground vehicles

Navigation continuity during GNSS outages

Our navigation solutions offer several advantages for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), especially in challenging environments where other navigation technologies may fail.
Your UGVs can now operate effectively in environments where GNSS signals are unavailable, unreliable, or intentionally jammed (e.g., urban canyons, underground tunnels, or contested battlefields).
This is critical for rescue and defense missions where GNSS interference can compromise your UGV navigation accuracy.
Thanks to our range of navigation solutions you get uninterrupted navigation data without relying on external references like GNSS. These allows your UGV to maintain situational awareness and autonomy even when communications or external signals are lost.

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High precision in dynamic environments

Real-time data is constantly collected with our navigation systems, on the vehicle’s position, velocity, and orientation (roll, pitch, yaw), enabling precise control even in highly dynamic environments, such as rugged terrains or off-road conditions. Our sensors precision ensures reliable performance in complex and fast-changing environments.
To increase vehicle location data you can integrate our INS with other onboard sensors like cameras, LiDAR and odometry to form a multi-sensor navigation system. This sensor fusion improves overall localization accuracy and situational awareness.
Additionally, they offer highly reliable navigation data, reducing the chances of collision or mission failure. This is particularly crucial in military operations or hazardous environments, where safety is paramount.

Robustness in harsh conditions

An autonomous ground vehicle often operate in extreme environments (such as deserts, forests, or disaster zones) where environmental factors like dust, weather, or electromagnetic interference can affect other navigation systems.
Our solutions are highly resistant to such conditions, ensuring robust performance. By providing highly accurate orientation and positioning data, our sensors enhance a UGV’s ability to autonomously plan and follow complex paths, minimizing human intervention.
This capability improves operational efficiency in defense, logistics, and industrial applications.

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Our strengths

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

Navigation in GNSS denied environment Get positioning and orientation, even in tunnels, urban canyons, or heavily wooded areas.
Precise path planning & control Follow predetermined paths and execute complex maneuvers with accuracy.
Resilient to harsh conditions Designed to withstand shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.
Compact & lightweight Small form factor and low weight for a seamless integration.

Selection of products

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

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

Discover more about our comprehensive range of advanced inertial products specifically designed for Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) navigation.

Case studies

Explore the success stories behind our UGV inertial solutions. Learn about the significant impact of our advanced navigation systems on UGV operations in multiple industries.
Through each case study, we examine tangible examples that reveal how our advanced inertial sensors and GNSS technology have consistently provided unmatched accuracy, reliability, and performance in practical situations. Get detailed insights and practical examples of how our solutions tackle complex challenges and drive operational excellence.
Dive into our case studies to see how our inertial solutions can elevate your projects and achieve outstanding results.

Transmin

Ellipse-A chosen for remotely operated rockbreakers

Automated control system

Case Study Transmin
Leo Drive

Ellipse powers autonomous vehicles innovation

Autonomous vehicles navigation

Leo Drives Test Autonomous Car
Mc Gills Robotics

Mc Gills Mars Rover Integrates SBG Inertial Navigation System

Robotics

Mars Rover 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 UGV navigation 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?

What is GNSS vs GPS?

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System and GPS for Global Positioning System. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different concepts within satellite-based navigation systems.

 

GNSS is a collective term for all satellite navigation systems, while GPS refers specifically to the U.S. system. It includes multiple systems that provide more comprehensive global coverage, while GPS is just one of those systems.

 

You get improved accuracy and reliability with GNSS, by integrating data from multiple systems, whereas GPS alone might have limitations depending on satellite availability and environmental conditions.

 

GNSS represents the broader category of satellite navigation systems, including GPS and other systems, while GPS is a specific GNSS developed by the United States.

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.