LBS

Locix launches SmartLPS

Locix has launched its SmartLPSTM solution that digitizes, analyzes, and displays real-time and historical operations for workers, assets, and inventory in warehouses through its patented WiFi-based local positioning system (LPS). It demonstrated the efficacy and accuracy of the solution through an extended trial with MITSUI-SOKO Supply Chain Solutions (MSCS) and Prologis in an operating distribution center in Ichikawa, Japan, proving sub-meter-accurate real-time positioning of workers and forklifts, integration with their warehouse management system (WMS), and comprehensive visibility into warehouse operations through historical analytics and report generatio. SmartLPSTM leverages Locix’s patented WiFi based Local Positioning System (LPS) platform to collect spatial and sensor data from workers and assets without the extensive installation and high infrastructure costs of competing solutions. locix.com

Qualcomm, ISRO Supports India’s Satellite Navigation System

Qualcomm Technologies is teaming up with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to support India’s Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) and Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) in select chipset platforms across Qualcomm’s upcoming portfolio. The initiative aims to help accelerate the adoption of NavIC and enhance the geolocation capabilities of mobile, automotive, and the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions in the region. The collaboration delivered the first-ever NavIC demonstration using the Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile Platforms on Sept. 19.

The solution is built on Qualcomm Technologies’ inventions in locationbased position technology. As part of the updated platforms, the Qualcomm Location Suite now supports up to seven satellite constellations concurrently. These enhancements will help enable select mobile, automotive and IoT platforms to better serve key industries and technology ecosystems in the region and will help improve user experience for location-based applications especially in dense urban environments where geolocation accuracy tends to degrade. www.satellitetoday.com

Lawsuit against Google

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the country’s competition watchdog, has filed a lawsuit against Google in the federal court in New South Wales. The commission has alleged that Google violated laws when it made misleading claims about user location data collection. The ACCC says that between January 2017 and late 2018, people made Google accounts on phones and tablets, they were made to believe that “Location History” was the only way to determine whether or not the company is collecting location data. www.dw.com

Porsche and Boeing to partner on premium urban air mobility market

Porsche and Boeing signed a MoU to explore the premium urban air mobility market and the extension of urban traffic into airspace. With this partnership, both companies will leverage their unique market strengths and insights to study the future of premium personal urban air mobility vehicles.The companies will create an international team to address various aspects of urban air mobility, including analysis of the market potential for premium vehicles and possible use cases.

Boeing, Porsche and Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences are also developing a concept for a fully electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. Engineers from both companies, as well as Porsche subsidiaries Porsche Engineering Services GmbH and Studio F.A. Porsche, will implement and test a prototype.

A 2018 study by Porsche Consulting forecasts that the urban air mobility market will pick up speed after 2025. The study also indicates that urban air mobility solutions will transport passengers more quickly and efficiently than current conventional means of terrestrial transport, at a lower cost and with greater flexibility. https://boeing.mediaroom.com