As the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) faces growing threats from jamming and spoofing, a new approach is emerging to enhance navigation safety: magnetic navigation with AQNav. This innovative technology harnesses artificial intelligence and quantum magnetometers to detect changes in the Earth’s magnetic field, providing a resilient alternative to traditional GNSS.
Enhancing Navigation Safety with Magnetic Navigation
Signals from the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) are crucial for modern life, powering everything from mobile networks to energy grids and GPS. However, these signals can be jammed and spoofed, posing significant threats to navigation systems.
The Growing Threat of GNSS Interference
GPS interference has been documented in various regions, including Ukraine, the Middle East, and the South China Sea. This interference can be caused by deliberate attempts to disrupt navigation systems or accidental exposure to powerful radio signals. As a result, the dependability of GNSS is under threat.
A New Approach: Magnetic Navigation with AQNav
Startup SandboxAQ believes that artificial intelligence (AI) combined with navigation systems that read the Earth’s magnetic field (MagNav) can mitigate these threats to GNSS. The company’s technology, called AQNav, uses quantum magnetometers to detect changes in the magnetic field and produce a reading of the Earth’s magnetic field.
How AQNav Works
The AQNav hardware is equipped with quantum magnetometers that measure subatomic particles to detect changes in the magnetic field. AI is then used to accurately pinpoint the position of an aircraft by comparing it with known maps of the magnetic field. The AI also eliminates external interference generated by the aircraft, such as sudden movements or signals from its electrical systems.
Testing and Deployment
The US Air Force, Boeing, and Airbus have all conducted test flights using the AQNav system. SandboxAQ’s team has deployed and tested multiple iterations of their hardware and software since May 2023. The system has been tested in real flight scenarios, including two major military exercises by the US Air Force.
Broader Applications
SandboxAQ’s technology is not limited to aerospace and navigation. The company believes that AI and quantum technologies can produce critical advances in life sciences, chemistry, materials, financial services, cybernetics, and other areas.
Future Developments and Challenges
While AQNav shows promise as a tool for flight safety, it is not yet ready for the market due to issues such as integration with existing platforms, design of a robust system, and compliance with international flight standards. The reliability of the software still needs to be improved, and signal-processing techniques need to function well in various environmental conditions.
A Resilient Future for Global Navigation
As aircraft automation increases, the vulnerability of GNSS will only get worse. SandboxAQ’s technology is seen as a key factor in making the skies safer today and potentially improving range tomorrow. The maritime and drone-manufacturing industries have also expressed needs that could be met with special versions of the AQNav. Cars and trains may also benefit from this technology in the future.
