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Technology Can Revolutionize Sectors Such as Aviation, Defense and Autonomous Transport, Offering Precise Location Without Relying on External Signals
A new technology may completely change the way vehicles and aircraft locate themselves on the planet. Researchers from Australian company Q-CTRL announced success in tests of a quantum navigation system that, according to them, is 50 times more accurate than any other available backup GPS.
Ironstone Opal: Navigation with Quantum Sensors
The system, named Ironstone Opal, was developed to serve as a reliable alternative to traditional GPS, which may fail or be jammed.
The idea arose due to the growing global dependence on satellite location systems, used by both civilians and military.
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Failures in these systems can lead to critical situations, such as lost drivers or pilots having to resort to outdated systems.
To address this, the Ironstone Opal uses highly sensitive quantum sensors capable of detecting variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.
Based on this information, Q-CTRL’s software employs artificial intelligence to accurately calculate the geographic position of an object, providing X and Y coordinates similarly to GPS.
Cannot Be Jammed and Is Discreet
Unlike common location systems, the Ironstone Opal operates passively. This means it does not emit signals that can be intercepted, nor can it be easily jammed.
Moreover, the system was designed to be small and discreet, allowing it to be installed in various types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, drones, and aircraft.
According to researchers, the sensors also incorporate technology to filter out noise generated by the vehicles themselves, ensuring greater data accuracy. The team emphasizes that the system has been tested under different conditions and has proven to be highly efficient.
Tests Show Promising Results
Ground tests indicated that the Ironstone Opal is 50 times more accurate than other backup GPS systems.
In aerial tests, such as in aircraft and drones, the system achieved an accuracy 11 times superior to competitors.
The study with the results was published on the preprint server arXiv, where the team details the operation and benefits of the technology. The expectation is that this type of navigation could become standard in various fields requiring precise location.
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