GPS technology with sensor fusion simplifies precise positioning

u-blox has released a firmware update for its ZED-F9R positioning module, bringing centimetre-level positioning to slow moving use cases such as robotic lawnmowers, e-scooters, and shared bicycles.

Based on the ZED-F9R high-precision sensor-fusion module, the u-blox ZED-F9R-02B is intended for use in autonomous and industrial applications that require simple and efficient implementation and where rapid access to highly accurate positioning data is key, even in challenging signal environments such as dense cities.

The ZED-F9R uses the u-blox F9 multi-band global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver platform to concurrently track up to four GNSS constellations. Applying real-time kinematic (RTK) techniques, the module can derive positioning data with centimetre-level accuracy.

The high-precision GNSS measurements are fused with data from the module’s inertial measurement unit (IMU), GNSS correction data, odometry information, and a vehicle dynamics model to provide high-quality positioning accuracy in situations where GNSS alone would fail. The receiver includes dynamic models for robotic lawnmowers, e-scooters, and automobiles.

The ZED-F9R-02B integrates the u-blox GNSS correction data service, broadcast in the highly scalable state-space representation (SSR) format, making it easier to deliver fast time-to-market precise positioning solutions.