Advanced Navigation has successfully trialed a hybrid positioning system capable of navigating deep underground environments without GNSS, pre-existing maps, or fixed infrastructure.
The technology integrates a Laser Velocity Sensor (LVS) with a Boreas D90 Fiber-Optic Gyroscope (FOG) Inertial Navigation System. This combination allows for continuous velocity and localization tracking by using laser-derived measurements to cancel out the drift errors common in standalone inertial sensors. The result is a robust navigation solution designed specifically for signal-denied subsurface operations.
Validation took place at the Pyhäjärvi mine in Finland, where the system tracked a 22.9 km route to a depth of 1,400 m in total darkness. Throughout the trial, the hardware maintained exceptional precision, recording a final position deviation of just 15.9 m. This 0.07% error rate demonstrates that the system can provide reliable, high-accuracy data in the most challenging subterranean conditions.
