This GNSS-free positioning system, developed entirely by our technology centre, is at the forefront internationally as it relies solely on on-board sensors and requires no prior knowledge of the surroundings, external infrastructure or communications with other systems.
This newly selected project is TRIDENT, an initiative coordinated by Thales, focused on the development of a new-generation European system for counter-battery capabilities, based on the integration of heterogeneous sensors, data fusion, decision support using artificial intelligence, and resilient fire control against emerging threats.
Our centre was able to explain in person the main features and benefits of this new technology to King Felipe VI, the Head of State, who visited the campaign held at the ‘Álvarez de Sotomayor’ Base in Viator (Almería).
The article, entitled ‘Autonomous UAV Pipeline Landing via Depth–LiDAR Fusion in GNSS-Denied Refineries’, addresses the solution to a very specific industrial inspection problem: landing a UAV with precision on pipelines in refineries without GNSS, where occlusions, interference and reflective surfaces make perception particularly challenging.
The initiative has concluded its development with final trials and tests carried out in France, which have validated a new advanced system for the inspection and maintenance of large infrastructures for the Oil & Gas sector through the combination of aerial robotic platforms, non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques and digital tools.