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April 29, 2025
Navigation using satellite systems like GPS is ubiquitous today. However, the dependence on these systems also carries risks, such as vulnerability to disruptions through spoofing or jamming. An Australian research team from the company Q-CTRL, specializing in quantum technology, now presents a promising alternative: a navigation system that works entirely without satellites and promises significantly higher accuracy.
The newly developed system, called Ironstone Opal, is based on measuring tiny variations in the Earth's magnetic field. Highly sensitive quantum magnetometers are used for this purpose. In contrast to conventional inertial navigation systems (INS), which also function without satellites, Ironstone Opal achieves almost 50 times higher precision. The measurement data from the quantum magnetometers are compared with detailed maps of magnetic field anomalies to determine the position. AI-supported software compensates for disturbances and changes during movement, whether in the air or on the ground.
A decisive advantage of Ironstone Opal lies in its passive mode of operation. Because the system does not emit signals, it is not vulnerable to spoofing attacks, unlike GPS. This makes it particularly attractive for safety-critical applications in aviation, drones, or autonomous vehicles. According to Q-CTRL, the system can be constructed compactly enough for use in vehicles.
However, the technology also faces challenges. The accuracy of the position determination depends on the availability of detailed magnetic field maps. To achieve global coverage and completely replace GPS, further efforts to map the Earth's magnetic field are necessary. The robustness of the system in complex environments also needs further improvement.
Despite these challenges, Ironstone Opal offers enormous potential. In regions with sufficiently detailed magnetic field maps, the system could already be used as a reliable alternative to GPS, especially where the vulnerability of GPS to interference is a problem. Further development of this technology could revolutionize navigation and open up new possibilities in areas such as autonomous driving, logistics, and robotics.
The development of Ironstone Opal illustrates the transformative potential of quantum technology and artificial intelligence. Mindverse, as a German provider of AI solutions, supports companies in integrating these technologies into their business processes. From chatbots and voicebots to AI search engines and customized knowledge systems, Mindverse offers a comprehensive portfolio of AI-based solutions for the future of navigation and beyond.
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