Vodafone increases Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities (opens in a new tab) thanks to new satellite technology that can locate connected devices and autonomous vehicles with an accuracy of centimeters, not meters.
The ‘Vodafone GNSS Corrections’ platform connects the operator’s global IoT network with Topcon technology that corrects inaccuracies from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) using a network of thousands of reference stations across Europe.
These reference stations calculate and correct potential GNSS data discrepancies using cloud-based software.
Economics of things
Greater precision is seen as crucial to the development of Vehicle to Anything (V2X) technology, which allows vehicles to communicate with each other and the road infrastructure in real time, as well as autonomous machinery and robotics.
This new feature can provide a range of services, from autonomous lawnmowers to real-time telematics.
Both companies are now inviting selected customers to participate in tests in Germany, Spain and the UK with a view to introducing it to all markets in the future.
“As new technologies such as autonomous cars and connected machines continue to evolve, Vodafone provides the critical connections to support these new services with greater precision, security and scale,” said Justin Shields, director of Vodafone’s platform and business solutions.
“Our customers want to be able to better locate their equipment, and our partnership with Topcon complements our existing asset tracking and fleet telematics solutions.”
“At Topcon, we are proud to work with Vodafone to offer high-accuracy correction services to enable V2X applications to run with the accuracy necessary to improve road safety, especially for vulnerable road users,” added Ian Stilgoe, vice president, Topcon Global Emerging Business .