Innovation

Trimble announces new deployment of Applanix’s POS LV

Trimble has announced the first deployment of its map-based localization system for land-based autonomous vehicle applications. IHI Corporation, a heavy industry manufacturer based in Japan, will retrofit its existing container and haulage trucks with a customized Applanix POS LV system as part of its broader autonomy capabilities for the transport of goods around industrial facilities.

Map-based localization provides precise positioning and orientation estimation, augmenting GNSS/inertial data, which is critical for safe and efficient autonomous vehicle operations. The ability to provide IHI Corporation a full workflow and real-time data ensures seamless integration into IHI’s truck design.

The custom-built, locally supported system leverages Trimble’s innovative engineering capabilities and technology to provide reliable performance across a variety of challenging environments. Using this system, IHI Corporation can provide robust positioning for their autonomous fleet without additional site infrastructure, lowering capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs and improving scalability.

Tailoring POS LV to work within IHI’s unique specifications and existing autonomous platform, the map-based localization system couples an inertial navigation system (INS) with simultaneous localization and mappingbased (SLAM) capabilities, and works with several types of sensors, including LiDAR for IHI. POS LV provides an accurate base map using post-processed data and localizes vehicle positioning in real-time, enabling the reliable and safe autonomous operation of industrial vehicles.

IHI continually enhances its work environments, while also compensating for varying labor scenarios and personnel shortages. This makes the need to automate transportation critical to operations. The complexities of the evolving industrial manufacturing environment require solutions that can be tailored to a customer’s specific application requirements. By partnering with Trimble, IHI can develop a retrofit system that addresses two major challenges— affordability and consistent reliability—within the autonomous operation of large-scale industrial equipment. Customers such as IHI rely on Trimble to create autonomous solutions that enable them to meet their strategic goals no matter where they are on their journey to autonomy.

Emlid released the PPK app—Emlid Studio for Mac and Windows

Emlid announced new PPK software— Emlid Studio. It’s a cross-platform desktop application designed specifically for post-processing GNSS data. The app is free and available for Windows and Mac users.

Emlid Studio features a simple interface that makes post-processing easier than ever. The app allows users to convert raw GNSS logs into RINEX, post-process static and kinematic data, geotag images from drones, including DJI, and extract points from the survey projects completed with the ReachView 3 app.

With Emlid Studio, you can post-process data recorded with Emlid Reach receivers and other GNSS receivers or NTRIP services. For post-processing, you will need RINEX observation and navigation files. You can also use raw data in the UBX and RTCM3 format— Emlid Studio will automatically convert them into RINEX. positioning of a single point or track depending on your positioning mode. Just add several RINEX files and enter the antenna height. Click the Process button, and Emlid Studio will do the rest. Once the resulting position file is ready, you will see the result on the plot.

One more tool is available for the users of Reach receivers and the ReachView 3 app. The Stop & Go feature allows you to improve the coordinates of points collected in Single or Float modes. Another helpful feature is geotagging for drone mapping. To add geotags to the images’ EXIF data, you’ll need aerial photos and the POS file with the events. Emlid Studio also provides a chance to update your data from the RTK drone in case you had a float or single solution during your survey. You will need a set of RINEX logs from a base and drone, MRK file, and images from the drone. Just drag and drop data in the file slots and you’ll see the result in a few seconds.

FIXAR announces autonomous long-range eVTOL: FIXAR 025 for Extended Commercial Applications

The full-stack European drone developer FIXAR introduces an autonomous full-electric drone FIXAR 025 designed for large-scale missions for commercial and industrial applications. The FIXAR 025 carries up to 10 kg (22 lbs) payload for a distance up to 300 km (186 mi) in one battery charge. The operations are fully autonomous assured by an in-house developed next-generation Autopilot and xGroundControl systems making it an efficient and reliable choice for BVLOS missions.

Long-anticipated increased flight distance and payload capacity have been unlocked and supplemented with versatility. The UAV allows to use broad array of sophisticated professional payload modules by easily swapping them and using the same aircraft for surveying, aerial imaging, remote sensing, surveillance, real-time monitoring and delivery.

The UAV is equipped with a patented payload safety system to secure the sensors and the data backup BlackBox system for mission and

Septentrio, a leader in high-precision GNSS* positioning solutions, launches OSNMA (Open Service Navigation Message Authentication) on their highend PolaRx5 reference receiver series. OSNMA offers end-to-end authentication on Galileo’s civilian signals, protecting receivers from GNSS spoofing attacks. Spoofing is a malicious form of radio interference, where faulty positioning information is sent into the receiver. OSNMA adds another layer of security to the existing AIM+ anti-jamming* and anti-spoofing technology that Septentrio receivers are known for. Such high level of resilience is especially important for reference receivers in applications which require assured PNT as well as in stationary critical infrastructure, which is especially vulnerable to GPS spoofing. payload data safety.

“With this model, we intend to answer a lasting market call for the increased flight range, payload capacity, and integration vastness. FIXAR 025 has a full-body lift design, the entire body of the UAV serves as a wing area, eliminating dead weight and increasing flight efficiency and length,” says Vasily Lukashov, Founder & CEO at FIXAR.

Key performance features of FIXAR 025:

· Reliable Operations: the UAV payload and data is secured with BlackBox and patented Payload Safety System; the autonomous operations with terrain tracking and automated planning ensures safe missions. Meantime, the drone system is free of complicated launch mechanisms and allows to set it up and operate easily.

· Economic Efficiency: the reduced power consumption and aerodynamic design allows to significantly extend flight time and increase payload capacity. In combination it allows to execute tasks faster and with less takes. The aircraft’s weather resistance capacity significantly reduces the possible downtime. The advanced xGroundControl software supports single and up to 10-unit multi drone missions simultaneously, making it a remarkable UAV for building a drone fleet.

· Compatibility: the UAV system is designed to support integration with AI solutions and unmanned air traffic ecosystem anywhere in the world making it simple to integrate AI or to start operations within different ecosystem. The UAV system is built to support third party sensor integration offering unlimited customized configurations.

OSNMA anti-spoofing technology now on PolaRx5 GNSS reference receivers

“We are excited to offer OSNMA anti-spoofing technology now in our scientific and reference GNSS receivers. The addition of OSNMA to Septentrio’s already strong anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology takes our receivers to a new level as the market leader of resilient positioning and timing solutions for industrial applications and critical infrastructure,” said François Freulon, Head of Product Management at Septentrio. “On top of OSNMA we have also updated our PolaRx5 product range with the latest RINEX format to support version 3.05 as well as version 4.0. With these updates PolaRx5 becomes the leading scientific and reference receiver family supporting all of the new GNSS technologies introduced in 2022.”

OSNMA authentication mechanism is also available on the mosaic™ GNSS module family and on Septentrio’s latest OEM boards. PolaRx5 receivers with OSNMA technology will be showcased by Septentrio at the ION JNC conference in San Diego, United States from 6-9 June, in booth 220. For more information about Septentrio receivers contact the Septentrio team.

Restrictive laws and policies in Africa’s construction sector are impeding engineers from offering their services across borders.

The Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) is pushing for mutual recognition agreements amongst African Countries in order to facilitate partner trading services in the profession.

The second day of the Engineering Partnership Symposium in Mombasa sought to explore opportunities and partnerships that can propel the construction industry.

Key players decried restrictive rules in African countries that are hindering growth of the profession.

EBK Chair Erastus Mongera maintains mergers and joint ventures could increase the likelihood of Kenyan professionals securing businesses

Mongera says the board will further explore the possibility of joining and ratifying the Washington Accord that engineers say will help create mobility and international recognition for Kenyan engineers.

The Engineers are also lobbying the government to set aside 0.5pc of the infrastructure budget for the training of local engineers. The Engineers Board is in the process of harmonizing licensing fees for engineers to make them conform to international standards.

GhIE President calls for construction of durable road transport systems in Ghana

The President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Ing. Rev. Prof. Charles Anum Adams, has delivered the 51st Presidential Address in Accra on Thursday, June 23, 2022, with a call for a concerted effort, proper collaboration of relevant stakeholders to construct durable road transport systems.

The 51st Presidential Address was on the topic: Contemporary Transportation Infrastructure Development in Ghana: Interrogating the Nexus of Engineering, Politics and Sustainability.

Delivering his address, Ing. Rev. Prof. Charles Anum Adams said a lot of Ghana’s road networks are in a deplorable state and this has affected the country’s economy, where people spend long hours in traffic. It has affected productivity at various workplaces and cited a typical example of the Accra-Tema motorway.

He suggested some solutions to the problem, saying, the problem must be devoid of politics, but rather, road construction contracts should be awarded to certified Engineers and contractors.

He added that road expansion is needed to accommodate the ever-increasing vehicles on our roads. succession plans for road construction to avoid neglect of roads due to change in government.

He further appealed to politicians not to use the road sector as campaign messages. Urging, members of the Ghana Institution of Engineering to up their game to get these jobs done.

He therefore called on government to consult the Ghana Institution of Engineering and other professional bodies before awarding contracts to either individuals or organisations regarding roads.

On road construction, the GhIE President proposed warm-mix asphalt instead of hot asphalt because the former reduces emissions. He also recommended Bio-binders for road construction or recycled materials for road durability, as well as the use of eco-friendly materials.

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of GhIE, Ing. David Nyante explained that the Presidential Address is perhaps the most important highlight of the tenure of the President of the Institution, and that every President of the Institution delivers an address in his or her area of practice and expertise. It is for this reason that Ing. Rev. Prof. Charles Anum Adams is delivering on the theme: Transportation, Engineering and Politics, on the above chosen topic.

The Chairman of the ceremony, Ing. Kwesi Abbey Sam, in his closing remarks, said transport is a key driver on the road to ending poverty so there is the need for planned city space.

He said Engineers must insist on doing the right thing and must insist on delivery of quality work.

Ing. Abbey emphasised that no nation is built by foreigners, so we should encourage our local engineers and contractors who are doing well, irrespective of their political affiliations.

A roundtable panel discussion of the Presidential Address was done immediately after the presentation.