INDUSTRY

Indian Railways floats Rs 3,200- cr tender for LiDAR system to enhance track safety

The Indian Railways has issued tenders of Rs 3,200 crore for installation of Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR) technology on trains and rail tracks. The LiDAR technology will help detect fractures, faults, and missing sections on the tracks.

It will also help the railway develop 3D models of tracks using images from sensors. The technology uses laser beams to map the tracks, identify obstacles, and measure distances. The sensors will be placed on moving trains and at fixed locations along the network to provide real-time data on track conditions. This data can help detect flaws quickly and send alerts to railway officials to prevent derailments and collisions.

The LiDAR system will not only identify track defects but will also help prevent derailments and collisions by providing real-time data. This data can also be analysed to create predictive models that can forecast potential issues before they occur, improving the overall safety. www.moneycontrol.com

NovAtel launches GAJT-310

NovAtel has announced its lowest SWaP (size, weight and power) GNSS Anti-Jam Technology (GAJT) with the launch of the GAJT-310. It is a battle-proven solution for assured positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT) that protects against hostile radio frequency interference on land, at sea and in the air. It provides users with the latest powerful anti-jam technology with low latency in a smaller device. Low latency means the GAJT- 310 can be put to work protecting signals immediately —no additional setup— just plug in and protect. novatel.com

Raytheon awarded contract extension for Space Force GPS OCX program

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded Raytheon a $196.7 million contract extension for the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) program, despite being several years behind schedule. This new award brings the total value of the OCX contract to nearly $4.5 billion since its launch in 2010, though the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates the total cost will approach $8 billion. The OCX program, aimed at upgrading GPS infrastructure, has encountered significant delays, currently running about seven years behind its original timeline. The GAO has reported that the 17-ground station system will not meet its October 2024 deadline, with further testing needed for operational readiness by December 2025.

Despite these setbacks, OCX remains crucial for modernizing GPS capabilities. It will enable full M-Code features, offering jamming-resistant GPS signals for military operations in contested environments, and will enhance cybersecurity for both military and civilian use. Once fully operational, OCX will manage all modernized and legacy GPS satellites, controlling both civil and military navigation signals.

Swift Navigation and CHC Navigation partnership

Swift Navigation has announced its collaboration with CHC Navigation. The partnership integrates Swift’s Skylark® Precise Positioning Service with CHC Navigation’s high-performance GNSS receivers, delivering reliable and cost-effective centimeter-accurate positioning to unlock the next generation of location-based products such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, and surveying equipment. swiftnav.com

AEVEX Aerospace acquires Veth Research Associates

AEVEX Aerospace has announced the acquisition of Veth Research Associates (VRA). This acquisition strengthens AEVEX’s position in providing innovative solutions for operating their unmanned systems in jammed and contested environments. Key to this acquisition is VRA’s LYNX visionbased navigation (VBN) system, which allows for navigation independent of external GPS signals. The LYNX VBN system is day/night capable, modular, and open in design, making it adaptable for use on both manned and unmanned platforms. aevex.com

VIAVI expands market reach with Inertial Labs acquisition

Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAVI) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Inertial Labs, Inc. for initial consideration of $150 million at closing and up to $175 million of contingent consideration over four years. The acquisition is expected to add approximately $50 million to VIAVI’s Network and Service Enablement (NSE) annual revenue in calendar year 2025. www.viavisolutions.com

ANELLO Photonics raises Series B funding

ANELLO Photonics has announced the successful closure of its Series B funding round.. The investment was co-led by Lockheed Martin, Catapult Ventures and One Madison Group. Additional investors included New Legacy, Build Collective, Trousdale Ventures, In-Q-Tel (IQT), K2 Access Fund, Purdue Strategic Ventures, Santuri Ventures, Handshake Ventures, Irongate Capital and Mana Ventures. This funding round will accelerate ANELLO’s mission to revolutionize navigation and positioning in GPS-denied environments across both Industrial and Defense applications. www.anellophotonics.com

SparkFun Electronics launches GNSS RTK module for positioning accuracy

SparkFun Electronics has introduced the SparkFun Quadband GNSS RTK Breakout (Qwiic), which is designed to improve positioning accuracy using the Quectel GNSS module. This module has a compact design and compatibility with the Qwiic connector, making it easy to integrate into various projects. Additionally, it shares the same dimensions, pin layout and connectors as the SparkFun GPS-RTK-SMA Breakout – ZED-F9P, offering a seamless upgrade path for users. www.sparkfun.com

The GEODNET Foundation introduces GEO-PULSE

The GEODNET Foundation is revolutionizing car navigation with the launch of GEO-PULSE – GPS device designed to deliver unprecedented positioning accuracy. Leveraging GEODNET RTK network, GEO-PULSE combines cutting-edge sensor fusion technology with an accessible price point, ensuring every driver can enjoy precision navigation. geodnet.com

New automotive positioning standard for the future of vehicle safety in China

Spirent Communications plc has announced the role of its positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) simulation systems in the creation of a new automotive positioning standard in China. The newly announced GB/T 45086.1- 2024 standard sets out the recommended technical and test requirements for onboard vehicle positioning systems such as GNSS and is expected to be adopted as part of China’s Accident and Emergency Calling Systems (AECS) framework.

It is expected to underpin the forthcoming AECS framework, which will become a regulatory requirement for all vehicles being sold in China from next year. As China’s equivalent to the European eCall, AECS will ensure rapid response in car accidents, potentially saving many lives. By establishing rigorous benchmarks for positioning systems, the new standard aims to enhance the reliability and performance of these critical positioning components. It also has the potential to provide the groundwork for regulation of autonomous vehicles on public roads. www.spirent.com

Leica Geosystems presents new utility detection solution

Leica Geosystems has announced its latest utility detection solution, the Leica DT100 Precision Locator and Leica DE100 Transmitter. The precision locator market is driven by the need for effective, reliable solutions that enhance safety, efficiency and productivity in various operational contexts. DT100, paired with the DE100 transmitter, offers a robust solution designed to meet the demanding needs of industries like construction, utilities, and telecommunications. https://leica-geosystems.com

RIEGL LiDAR technology for BIM and AEC applications

For the first time, RIEGL will be presenting its ultimate surveying solution for the construction sector – the RIEGL VZ-600i 3D terrestrial laser scanner – at BAU 2025, Munich, Germany in January 2025. The RIEGL team will present the numerous advantages of using RIEGL Ultimate LiDARTM Technology in building construction and civil engineering, particularly its integration into the digital BIM process. Practical examples from various BIM phases, such as recording existing structures, quality assurance during construction documentation, will demonstrate the impressive performance of RIEGL technologies. newsroom.riegl.international

u-blox launches new GNSS chip for wearable applications

u-blox launches new GNSS chip for wearable applications featuring ultra-low power consumption and high positioning accuracy in the smallest form factor. The UBX-M10150-CC GNSS is poised to revolutionize the design of compact wearable devices like sports and smart watches. It features pioneering LEAP (Low Energy Accurate Positioning) technology that achieves a mere 10mW power consumption. www.u-blox.com

UAVOS releases next-generation ground control station

UAVOS’ new PGCS.7 has a new generation powerful Getac X600 PC, an external redundant power supply, and an improved customizable I/O hardware interface. Featuring fully redesigned switch buttons, I/O panels allow users to customize to their exact design needs fully. It enables intuitive and userfriendly control making it possible to reduce the likelihood of operator error during missions. Compatible with preferred autopilots, it features flight and mission operation software, videotracker software, payload sensor data, and information. www.uavos.com

GMV to develop Galileo’s emergency aid satellite services

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has awarded GMV a FWC contract to deliver new Galileo functionalities under EmeRgency Alerting System (ERAS), allowing EUSPA to provide new Emergencyrelated services, namely the Emergency Warning Satellite System(EWSS), SAR/Remote Beacon Activation and SAR/Two-Way Communications Emergency. The four-year contract, worth around 6 million euros, will enable significant progress in Europe’s response capabilities to natural and man-made disasters. The GMVled industrial organization includes Ineco, ALTEN Spain, and Kineton as subcontractors.

The new ERAS system will in the first place, allow Member States National Civil Protection Authorities for ondemand broadcast of Emergency Warning messages to be sent directly to the population in areas at risk or already affected by a natural or provoked disaster, which will be transmitted directly by the Galileo satellites to smartphones or any other device capable of receiving signals from these satellites. The system is expected to be fully operational in the first half of 2026. www.gmv.com

Sodex Innovations launches terrain mapping systems

Sodex Innovations has unveiled the SDX- 4DVision and SDX-Compact machinemounted terrain mapping systems. It integrates advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence (AI) driven data processing to create digital twins of worksites while the machine operates. Data is uploaded to the SDX Cloud, allowing for real-time analysis from any location. www.sodex-innovations.com

An urban digital twin combatting heat islands and flooding

e-GEOS is Prime Contractor of the consortium commissioned by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a digital twin for the simulation of heat island and urban flooding scenarios. The project is called “SURE” (Smart Urban Resilience Enhancement). It will be developed by a consortium led by e-GEOS and composed of Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and Stefano BOERI Architetti, with external services provided by the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Computer Science – Department of Complex Systems.

Digital twins are virtual reproductions of the Earth, its environments and the dynamics of territories, allowing people to monitor the health of the Planet. Through simulation scenarios based on satellite data, they can provide information supporting emergency response in the event of extreme weather events. The SURE project integrates multi-platform data from remote and close-range sensing with in-situ information for the development of two digital twins for urban environments, focusing on heat islands and on urban floods. www.telespazio.com

Neo Space Group to acquire UP42 Earth Observation platform

Neo Space Group (NSG), Saudi Arabia has entered into a definitive agreement with Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus) to acquire its UP42 business, a next-generation earth observation digital platform, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including required regulatory clearances. UP42, launched by Airbus in 2019 in Berlin, Germany, is a pioneer in streamlining access to and deriving insights from geospatial data via a cloud-based platform. up42.com