Precision Robotics Gets a Boost: Swift Navigation & SIMCom Democratize High-Accuracy Positioning

Precision Robotics Gets a Boost: Swift Navigation & SIMCom Democratize High-Accuracy Positioning

A new partnership is lowering the barrier to entry for centimeter-level positioning in autonomous systems. The collaboration between Swift Navigation and SIMCom promises to accelerate the adoption of robotics in agriculture, delivery, and beyond.

22 days ago

Precision Robotics Gets a Boost: Swift Navigation & SIMCom Democratize High-Accuracy Positioning

NEW YORK, NY – October 28, 2025

Building Blocks for an Autonomous Future

Swift Navigation and SIMCom have announced a strategic partnership aimed at making high-precision positioning more accessible to developers and manufacturers of autonomous systems. The collaboration integrates Swift’s Skylark precise positioning service with SIMCom’s compact and versatile GNSS modules, offering centimeter-level accuracy for a range of outdoor applications, including robotics, delivery services, agricultural vehicles, and lawn care equipment. This isn’t simply about improving GPS; it’s about building the foundational infrastructure that will enable a broader ecosystem of autonomous solutions.

“The demand for precise positioning is rapidly increasing as more industries adopt autonomous technologies,” stated one industry analyst. “But high accuracy has traditionally been expensive and complex to implement. This partnership is a significant step toward democratizing access to this crucial capability.”

The Power of Precise Positioning

Centimeter-level accuracy, achieved through Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology, is becoming increasingly vital for autonomous systems operating in real-world environments. Traditional GPS signals often lack the necessary precision for tasks like precision agriculture, automated delivery, or operating robots in complex, cluttered spaces. Skylark leverages a network RTK approach, utilizing a virtual reference station system, to deliver consistent, high-accuracy positioning over a wide geographic area.

“The challenge with traditional RTK is the need for base stations or reliance on limited coverage areas,” explained a robotics engineer working with autonomous agricultural vehicles. “A network-based solution like Skylark removes those limitations, making it much easier to deploy autonomous systems at scale.” SIMCom's SIM66MD and SIM66D modules are designed specifically to support RTK functionality, making them ideal partners for the Skylark service. These modules boast multi-constellation support, low power consumption, and compact form factors, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

A Competitive Landscape

The market for high-precision GNSS solutions is becoming increasingly competitive. Established players like Hexagon | NovAtel and Trimble offer robust RTK services, often leveraging extensive networks of base stations. U-blox also provides high-precision GNSS modules, catering to industrial applications. However, the integration of Skylark with SIMCom’s modules offers a compelling alternative, particularly for developers seeking a streamlined, cost-effective solution.

According to one source familiar with the competitive landscape, “The key differentiator is often the overall value proposition. The combination of Skylark’s network RTK service with SIMCom’s affordable and versatile modules provides a strong combination for many applications.” The extended six-month free trial of Skylark Nx RTK with the purchase of a SIMCom module is also a significant incentive, lowering the barrier to entry and allowing potential customers to thoroughly test the system in real-world conditions.

Beyond Agriculture and Delivery: Expanding Applications

While agriculture and delivery are prominent initial applications, the potential for high-precision positioning extends far beyond these sectors. Construction, surveying, and infrastructure maintenance are all areas where centimeter-level accuracy can significantly improve efficiency and safety. Autonomous lawn care equipment, a rapidly growing market, also benefits from precise positioning, enabling automated mowing and obstacle avoidance.

“We are seeing a growing demand for precise positioning in a variety of unconventional applications,” noted an expert in autonomous vehicle technology. “From autonomous inspection of pipelines to precision mapping of forests, the possibilities are endless. The key is making this technology accessible to a wider range of developers and innovators.”

The combination of Skylark and SIMCom addresses this challenge by providing a scalable, cost-effective solution that lowers the barrier to entry for high-precision positioning. The partnership is not just about improving existing applications; it’s about enabling a new generation of autonomous solutions that were previously impractical or too expensive to deploy.

“The impact of this partnership will be felt across multiple industries,” said an analyst specializing in robotics and automation. “By making high-precision positioning more accessible, Swift Navigation and SIMCom are playing a key role in shaping the future of autonomous systems.”

UAID: 3785