Elevating Autonomous Systems with Precision Navigation Technologies
Advanced Navigation, an Australian-based company, has emerged as a leader in the development of navigation technologies and robotics, focusing on delivering high-precision solutions across land, air, sea, and space applications. By integrating software-enhanced hardware, the company addresses the challenges posed by environments where Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are unreliable or unavailable.
Company Overview
Founded in 2012, Advanced Navigation specializes in creating navigation systems that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensor technologies. The company’s product portfolio includes inertial navigation systems (INS), attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS), and acoustic navigation solutions. These products are designed to provide accurate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information, essential for autonomous operations in various industries.
Core Technologies and Products
Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)
Advanced Navigation offers a range of INS products that combine accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and pressure sensors with GNSS receivers. These systems are designed to provide accurate position, velocity, acceleration, and orientation data, even in GNSS-denied environments. The company’s AI-based algorithms enhance the performance of these systems, ensuring reliable navigation across diverse applications.
Fibre Optic Gyroscopes (FOG)
The Boreas series represents Advanced Navigation’s strategic-grade digital fibre-optic gyroscope (DFOG) INS. These systems offer high-precision navigation capabilities, suitable for applications requiring exceptional accuracy and reliability. The Boreas D70, for instance, has been selected by Hanwha Defence Australia for integration into military vehicles under the LAND 400 Phase 3 program.
Acoustic Navigation and Subsea Robotics
In the subsea domain, Advanced Navigation provides acoustic positioning systems and micro autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). These solutions enable precise underwater navigation and data collection, supporting applications in marine research, offshore energy, and defense operations.
Laser Velocity Sensor (LVS)
The company’s Laser Velocity Sensor (LVS) utilizes infrared lasers to measure a vehicle’s ground-relative 3D velocity with high accuracy. This technology enhances navigation performance in environments where GNSS signals are degraded or unavailable.
Industry Applications
Defense and Aerospace
Advanced Navigation’s technologies are integral to defense and aerospace operations, providing assured PNT in contested environments. The company’s systems are designed to withstand electronic warfare conditions, ensuring mission-critical navigation capabilities. Collaborations with organizations like MBDA aim to develop resilient navigation systems integrating absolute positioning technologies.
Automotive and Robotics
In the automotive sector, Advanced Navigation’s high-performance navigation systems support autonomous vehicle operations, delivering accurate positioning data essential for safety and efficiency. The company’s Orientus IMU/AHRS has been utilized by PAL Robotics to enhance the mobility of humanoid robots, enabling complex movements such as walking on uneven terrain and jumping.
Marine and Subsea Exploration
For marine applications, Advanced Navigation provides navigation solutions that facilitate underwater exploration and data acquisition. Their acoustic navigation systems and micro AUVs are employed in various subsea missions, contributing to advancements in oceanography and offshore operations.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
Advanced Navigation has established strategic partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities and expand its market reach. Notably, the company has collaborated with Hanwha Defence Australia and Hanwha Aerospace to develop high-performance INS for military applications. These partnerships focus on creating navigation systems suitable for autonomous, airborne, and crewed platforms operating in GNSS-contested environments.
Additionally, Advanced Navigation has partnered with Rheinmetall Defense Australia to supply FOG INS for integration into Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, supporting the Australian Army’s LAND 400 Phase 2 Program.
Funding and Growth
In November 2022, Advanced Navigation secured AUD 108 million in a Series B funding round led by KKR, with participation from Alpha Intelligence Capital and Main Sequence. This investment aims to accelerate the company’s research and development efforts, particularly in robotics, navigation, photonic, and quantum sensing solutions, and to enhance global sales and marketing capabilities.
As of early 2025, Advanced Navigation has achieved profitability and is exploring acquisition opportunities to further expand its technological offerings and market presence.
Conclusion
Advanced Navigation continues to drive innovation in navigation and autonomous systems, delivering high-precision solutions across various industries. Through strategic partnerships, robust product offerings, and a commitment to research and development, the company addresses the growing demand for reliable navigation technologies in challenging environments. As autonomous systems become increasingly prevalent, Advanced Navigation’s contributions are poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of navigation and robotics.
