Optical Positioning Technology
UAVLAS precision positioning systems use patented optical technology to provide centimeter-level 3D positioning without GPS. Our systems enable autonomous aircraft to operate safely and accurately in GPS-denied environments including urban areas, indoor spaces, and moving platforms.
Technology Demonstrations
Precision landing on PX4 autopilot - demonstrating integration and accuracy.
All-weather operation on reflective surfaces - proving reliability in challenging conditions.
System Architecture
A complete UAVLAS positioning system consists of three main components:
1. Ground-Based Beacon
A single infrared beacon with multiple emitters is installed at the operating area (landing pad, vertiport, ship deck, etc.). The beacon creates a special 3D infrared field above the installation area using multiple precisely calibrated emitters. The beacon can be:
- Fixed installation - Permanent mounting for repeated operations
- Portable unit - Quick deployment for temporary operations
- Mobile platform - Installed on ships, vehicles, or moving structures
2. Aircraft-Mounted Receiver
A lightweight optical receiver (typically 10-40g) is installed on the aircraft. The receiver:
- Detects signals from multiple ground transmitters simultaneously
- Calculates precise angles to each transmitter
- Processes data at 20Hz for real-time positioning
- Outputs standard positioning data via UART, USB, or CAN interfaces
3. Positioning Algorithms
Advanced algorithms running on the receiver calculate 3D position by:
- Triangulation - Using angles to multiple known transmitter positions
- Filtering - Removing noise and outliers for stable positioning
- Coordinate transformation - Converting to standard navigation frames
- Dynamic compensation - Accounting for platform motion (ships, vehicles)
How It Works
The positioning process follows these steps:
Step 1: IR Field Detection
- Ground beacon emits modulated infrared signals from multiple emitters
- Each emitter creates a distinct pattern in the IR field
- Receiver detects the composite IR field pattern
Step 2: Pattern Analysis
- Receiver analyzes the IR field pattern characteristics
- High-resolution optical sensors decode position information from the field
- Multiple measurements averaged for noise reduction
Step 3: Position Calculation
- System calculates position based on the received IR field pattern
- Determines X, Y, Z position relative to the beacon
- Outputs position at 20Hz update rate
Step 4: Data Output
- Position data sent to autopilot via standard interfaces
- Compatible with ArduPilot, PX4, DJI, and other flight controllers
- Can be used for landing, hovering, or full navigation
Key Performance Characteristics
Accuracy
- Horizontal: ±2-5 cm (typical)
- Vertical: ±3-5 cm (typical)
- Sub-centimeter accuracy possible with optimal configuration
Range
- Multi-rotor systems: 0.5-20 meters
- Helicopter systems: 1-50 meters
- Long-range systems: Up to 100+ meters
Update Rate
- Standard: 20 Hz
- High-speed: Up to 50 Hz (selected models)
- Latency: <50ms typical
Environmental Performance
- Day/Night: 24/7 operation
- Weather: Works in fog, rain, snow, dust
- Temperature: -40°C to +85°C operating range
- Interference: Immune to RF/GPS jamming
Technology Advantages
GPS-Independent Operation
UAVLAS systems work where GPS fails:
- Urban canyons with limited sky view
- Indoor facilities and warehouses
- Underground operations
- GPS-jammed or GPS-denied areas
- Moving platforms (ships, vehicles)
All-Weather Reliability
Optical technology provides consistent performance:
- No degradation in rain or fog
- Works in complete darkness
- Not affected by electromagnetic interference
- Reliable in harsh industrial environments
Real-Time Precision
High update rate enables demanding applications:
- Precision landing on moving ships
- Tight formation flying
- High-speed automated docking
- Vertiport parking assistance
Plug-and-Play Integration
Standard interfaces work with major autopilots:
- ArduPilot (Copter, Plane, Rover)
- PX4 (Multicopter, VTOL, Fixed-wing)
- DJI flight controllers
- Custom autopilot systems
- ROS/ROS2 robotics platforms
Applications
Maritime Operations
- Precision landing on moving vessels
- Offshore platform operations
- Ship-to-ship transfers
- SAR helicopter operations
Urban Air Mobility
- eVTOL vertiport positioning
- Urban canyon navigation
- Rooftop landing assistance
- Automated parking systems
Industrial Automation
- Warehouse drone operations
- Indoor inspection flights
- Automated inventory systems
- Confined space navigation
Emergency Services
- Disaster response in GPS-denied areas
- Underground rescue operations
- Urban search and rescue
- Medical delivery drones
System Configuration
UAVLAS systems are configured based on your specific requirements:
Operating Area
- Size and shape of coverage area
- Indoor vs outdoor environment
- Fixed vs mobile platform
- Beacon mounting location and height
Aircraft Type
- Multi-rotor (quadcopter, hexacopter, octocopter)
- Helicopter (single rotor, coaxial)
- Fixed-wing VTOL
- Hybrid configurations
Performance Requirements
- Required accuracy level
- Operating range needed
- Environmental conditions
- Update rate requirements
Integration Needs
- Autopilot type and version
- Communication interface (UART, USB, CAN)
- Power supply specifications
- Mounting constraints
Getting Started
Deploying a UAVLAS system typically follows this process:
- Requirements Analysis - Discuss your application and constraints
- System Design - Configure beacon and receiver for your needs
- Hardware Delivery - Receive system with documentation
- Installation - Mount beacon and receiver
- Calibration - System calibrates the IR field parameters
- Integration - Connect to autopilot and configure
- Testing - Validate performance and accuracy
- Training - Learn operation and maintenance
- Deployment - Begin autonomous operations
Our team provides complete support throughout this process including site surveys, installation assistance, integration support, and training.
Ready to deploy precision positioning? Contact us to discuss your application and receive a customized system recommendation.