u-blox ZED-F9R-02B positioning module

Based on the ZED-F9R high-precision sensor-fusion module, the u-blox ZED-F9R-02B brings robust, centimetre-level positioning to slow-moving use cases such as robotic lawnmowers, e-scooters and shared bicycles. It is designed for use in autonomous and industrial applications that require simple and efficient implementation and where rapid access to precise positioning data is key.

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 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 easy to deliver fast time-to-market precise positioning solutions. It offers support for a range of correction services, including the SPARTN format, which will make it straightforward to distribute GNSS correction data over large geographical areas.

Robotic lawnmowers should improve their positioning accuracy due to the module’s ability to calibrate its dead reckoning system even at low speeds. The module’s position output lets end users precisely delimit the mowing area using software, rather than boundary wires, and deploy robotic lawnmowers on complex lawn shapes while excluding trees and shrubs. This allows product designers to create mowing equipment that enables ‘robotic mowing as a service’, capable of operating in complex environments.

The high-precision module is a turnkey dead reckoning solution that should enable designers to bring products that need dead reckoning technology to market quickly. It will also allow companies working in niche markets to employ dead reckoning technologies without needing to build and maintain expertise in the subject.