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Carnegie Robotics has taken a significant step in the field of autonomous technology by acquiring the Duro product line from Swift Navigation Inc. This line, originally introduced in 2017 as a joint effort between the two companies, comprises high-precision GNSS receivers along with supporting software designed for effective positioning in demanding environments.
Mike Embrescia, the chief development officer of Carnegie Robotics, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are excited to fully integrate the Duro product line into our product portfolio. We aim to enhance the product further to deliver greater value and to continue supporting our vital markets, including marine, construction, mining, agriculture, rail, and military.”
Founded in 2010, Carnegie Robotics has a history of collaboration with esteemed entities such as the U.S. Army, DARPA, and the Advanced Technology Group of Uber, which was later acquired by Aurora Innovation. The company, based in Pittsburgh, has also created various technological solutions, including autonomous vehicles, military-grade wearable devices, and advanced computing systems for mobile robotics.
Carnegie Robotics’ Commitment to Off-Road Autonomy
Embrescia highlighted the company’s longstanding focus on off-road autonomy, stating, “Since 2017, we’ve aimed to innovate in the realm of off-road technology. Initially, our goal was to help automate various machines, and we have since developed products that enable autonomy through cameras, pose filters, and localization hardware.”
With over 5 million hours logged for autonomous robots in operation, Carnegie Robotics envisions that the Duro acquisition will enhance its intellectual property assets, ultimately improving the safety and efficiency of both autonomous and semi-autonomous machinery. The company underlines the importance of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology for the precise functioning of heavy equipment, particularly in challenging environments, stating that Duro’s receivers will enable centimeter-level accuracy.
The firm aims to maintain the high standards of product quality, service, and support that Duro customers expect.
Swift Navigation’s Transition to a Software-Centric Model
Carnegie Robotics and Swift Navigation have collaborated closely to adapt to customer needs during the development of the Duro product line. This acquisition complements Swift’s transition toward a software-only service model, which includes hardware integrations.
Swift’s Duro product line integrates with its Skyark Precise Positioning Service, a cloud-based solution touted to enhance GNSS accuracy by a factor of up to 100, facilitating SAE Level 3 autonomous vehicles.
Brad Sherrard, executive vice president and general manager of industrial operations at Swift Navigation, remarked on this development, stating, “Swift is dedicated to advancing location-based technologies that can enhance safety and operational efficiency across various sectors. Carnegie Robotics’ acquisition of the Duro line highlights our successful partnership and the quality of our products.”
Since its inception in 2012, Swift Navigation has developed positioning systems that provide high-precision mapping, tracking, and navigation solutions for sectors including autonomous transportation, industrial automation, and mobile technologies. Recently, the San Francisco-based company announced that its technology has been integral to over 10 million advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) globally.
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www.therobotreport.com