Autonomous navigation with GNSS and sensor fusion

TIER IV autonomous Minibus with Septentrio GNSS

AsteRx SB3 GNSS receiver is part of Minibus designed for Level 4 autonomous driving      

TIER IV, based in Japan, is the pioneering force behind the worlds’ first open-source software for autonomous driving. In addition to their software offering, TIER IV is developing vehicles suitable for autonomy on roads in cities and urban areas. To achieve this, they combine an array of advanced sensors including long- and short-range LiDAR, object-detection cameras, radar, an Inertial Measurement Unit and a high-accuracy GNSS receiver. Such a receiver must operate accurately with a high level of integrity (truthfulness) even in challenging environments for GNSS, such as a city where tall buildings obstruct satellite signals. TIER IV has selected an AsteRx SB3 Pro+ receiver to ensure optimal performance for autonomous operations, even in such demanding conditions. 
 

Deploying autonomous driving services up to Level 4 takes several years due to the rigorous validation process involved. The equipment must be highly advanced and reliable to meet stringent requirements. Septentrio’s GNSS receivers, known for their exceptional integrity and precision, ensure the dependable positioning essential for autonomous operations.

Osamu Sekino
Engineer at TIER IV
Minibus with a Septentrio GNSS receiver, AsteRx-SB3 Pro+ transports people. ©TIER IV

Why TIER IV chose AsteRx SB3 Pro+

  • Multi-frequency multi-constellation GNSS technology that uses all available signals from various constellations including GPS, Galileo, QZSS and more.
  • High-integrity positioning, which warns the system when positioning reliability may be compromised in certain challenging environments.
  • APME+ technology reduces the effect of multipath and enables reliable operations in urban environments.
  • LOCK+ algorithms provide optimal tracking performance even under shocks and vibrations.     
  • Robust housing protects the receiver from dust and water .
  • User-friendly web interface offers easy installation along with the RxTools suite for data analysis.
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About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving, to empower intelligent vehicles worldwide. Harnessing Autoware, TIER IV builds scalable platforms and delivers comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations.

Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation. 


This article is based on information provided by TIER IV. Images and video credit ©TIER IV.