AI and robotics leader Advanced Navigation has unveiled its state-of-the-art robotics facility dedicated to autonomous systems, nestled within the UTS Tech Lab in Botany, New South Wales (NSW).
This facility marks a significant leap forward in the production of Advanced Navigation’s groundbreaking AI navigation systems tailored for GPS-denied environments. Among its innovations is the digital fibre-optic gyroscope (DFOG) technology, aptly named Boreas.
Distinguishing itself globally, Advanced Navigation is one of just four companies endowed with the capability to craft strategic-grade fibre-optic gyroscopes. This remarkable technology serves as the bedrock for reliable navigation across diverse domains, encompassing marine vessels, space missions, aerospace applications, defense sectors, autonomous vehicles, and the emerging realm of flying taxis. The company harnesses advanced AI-driven physics algorithms to tackle complex challenges, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial.
Strengthening Australia’s Sovereign Capabilities: Xavier Orr, CEO and co-founder of Advanced Navigation, underscored the critical importance of enhancing Australia’s economic complexity and sovereign capabilities. He emphasized the need to bolster industrial capacity in high-tech sectors while fostering collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and industry leaders.
State-of-the-Art Robotics Manufacturing for Autonomous Systems: In response to the changing landscape of sovereign manufacturing, characterized by AI, automation, and precision engineering, Advanced Navigation’s facility adheres to a vertical integration framework. It houses cutting-edge equipment and processes for automated manufacturing infused with machine learning, ensuring the delivery of dependable, durable, and top-quality navigation systems.
Collaboration with UTS and Innovation Ventures: Beyond its manufacturing role, the facility will serve as a hub for extensive research collaborations between Advanced Navigation and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). This partnership aims to expedite the commercialization of socially impactful technologies, including:
- Light Detection, Altimetry and Velocimetry (LiDAV) System: This system provides precise three-dimensional velocity and altitude data relative to the lunar surface, facilitating complex autonomous lunar landings. It is slated for integration into NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program via Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander.
- Cloud Ground Control: A pioneering cloud-based solution empowering remote command and control of unmanned vehicles across air, land, and sea. It enhances real-time video and telemetry access, streamlines data management, and offers situational awareness in critical operations like search and rescue, emergency response, and disaster relief.
- Guidance for Visually Impaired Passengers: Developed under the NSW Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program, this indoor positioning technology aids visually impaired individuals in safely navigating underground train stations.
Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice-Chancellor and President of UTS, said, “UTS is pleased to be working with Advanced Navigation to tap into critical growth areas, including AI, robotics and space technologies.
The collaboration between UTS’s global research leaders in autonomous systems technology and Advanced Navigation’s exceptional team of scientists and engineers, utilising UTS Tech Lab’s cutting-edge facilities, highlights our commitment to developing sovereign capabilities for defence and space.
“We look forward to deepening and expanding our collective capabilities with Advanced Navigation to accelerate the production of high-impact innovations.”
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