MicroPilot, Trimble integrate GNSS into UAV autopilot

MicroPilot Inc. has teamed with Trimble to integrate high-precision GNSS technology as part of its autopilot for guidance and control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

With centimeter-level, real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning capabilities, Trimble’s multi-constellation GNSS receivers are capable of tracking signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, the company said. Trimble GNSS receivers are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from port automation and robotics to autonomous vehicle guidance.

MicroPilot develops and manufactures autopilots for UAVs, including the triple-redundant MP21283X. The company also provides support products that enable customers to use their development time as efficiently as possible and bring their products to market faster. These products include the trueHWIL2 UAV autopilot simulator and the XTENDERmp software development kit.

The MP21283X UAV autopilot. (Image: Micropilot)

Working closely with Trimble gives MicroPilot the ability to better leverage Trimble’s GNSS technologies. This access improves the ability of MicroPilot’s support team to assist customers with their product development, testing and operations. Trimble will benefit from MicroPilot’s extensive experience integrating guidance, navigation and control systems for a wide variety of UAV platforms, the companies said.

“Reliable, robust and innovative GNSS solutions as well as strong technical support is key to bringing any UAV to market and our relationship with Trimble will allow MicroPilot to improve on our already industry-leading support,” said MicroPilot president Howard Loewen.

“We are very pleased to be working closely with MicroPilot to provide high-precision GNSS for its UAV autopilot solutions,” said Joseph Carey, director of strategic initiatives for Trimble’s Integrated Technologies Division. “MicroPilot autopilot’s simple installation, configuration and customization capabilities allow UAV manufacturers to easily integrate reliable, state-of-the-art, professional guidance, navigation and controls to their aerial platforms.”