Frequently Asked Questions

Basics 

  1. What is localization in the context of autonomous vehicles?  
    Localization refers to the process by which an autonomous vehicle (AV) determines its exact position and orientation in the world. It involves identifying where the vehicle is on a map or within its environment. It is critical for the safe deployment of AVs on our shared roadways. 
  2. Why is precise localization crucial for autonomous vehicles?  
    Precise localization is a foundational element of autonomous vehicle technology. It underpins safety, navigation, and effective interaction with the surrounding environment. Positioning itself correctly allows an AV to accurately move from point A to point B and requires multiple sensors to follow the precise path while interacting with other vehicles, objects, and pedestrians.  
  3. What are the primary methods for autonomous vehicle localization?  
    A combination of sensors and technologies such as GPS, LiDAR, cameras, radar, and inertial measurement units (IMUs) are used to determine position relative to AVs surroundings. 

GPR Specific 

  1. What is the role of GPR technology in localization? 
    GPR Ground Positioning Radar uses ground penetrating radar to extract highly unique subterranean landmarks from deep beneath the driving surface to provide exceptionally robust vehicle positioning. Unlike many surface features, the subterranean landmarks or fingerprints extracted by GPR are resilient over time and impervious to environmental conditions including snow and rain, making GPR the most reliable system for vehicle localization.  
  2. How deep can GPR penetrate the ground?  
    10 feet below the surface. 
  3. What happens then when someone has dug down a new cable, water has changed the attenuation, or in areas of highly attenuating soils? 
    GPR AI knows how to filter out saturation from the soil and focuses on the characteristics that matter for localization. 
  4. Where does the GPR sensor mount on a vehicle? 
    The sensor can be mounted anywhere in the undercarriage of the vehicle, seamlessly integrated into the chassis, or even integrated into battery packs. 
  5. What are the limitations of GPR in autonomous vehicle localization? 
    While GPR uptime surpasses other sensor fail points, there are limited scenarios where GPR mapping may not be possible including metal only bridges or similar roadscapes. 

WaveSense

  1. What does WaveSense consist of?
    The WaveSense technology is comprised of the GroundSense, NavSense, and MapSense. 
  2. What is GroundSense?
    The WaveSense sensor, which is equipped with innovative radar technology. This is the hardware component of the WaveSense technology. 
  3. What is NavSense?
    WaveSense’s proprietary matching algorithm and base localization software that is needed to operate GroundSense. 
  4. What is MapSense?
    A powerful mapping suite that tailors the system to different use cases. MapSense     allows you to position maps on the grid so you can localize with NavSense. 
  5. Can I purchase NavSense without GroundSense?
    No, these products work in tandem.      
  6. Where does the sensor sit?
    GroundSense mounts discretely under any over-the-road and off-road vehicle 
  7. What if I need a specific size or form of hardware?
    GroundSense variations may include height and length, integrated or external CPU, and mechanical configuration (i.e. Heavy Duty) 
  8. Is there an ongoing cost associated with WaveSense?
    A onetime purchase enables ongoing operation of GroundSense. NavSense includes a yearly maintenance fee for bug fixes and security patches and a yearly subscription that includes algorithmic updates.     
  9. What is the NavSense localization accuracy?
    Within 5 cm RMS     
  10. What makes GPR WaveSense technology superior to other localization methods like Lidar or computer vision?
    Unlike Lidar and computer vision, which can be affected by inclement weather and surface changes, GPR WaveSense operates independently of surface conditions. By relying on the subterranean environment, it eliminates common fail points associated with above-surface sensors, ensuring robust and reliable performance in various environments.     
  11. Is GPR WaveSense technology adaptable to different types of autonomous vehicles and applications?
    Absolutely. GPR WaveSense technology is versatile and can be integrated into various types of autonomous vehicles, including cars, trucks, drones, and industrial machinery. It’s also applicable across a range of industries, including transportation, mining, agriculture, and construction, where accurate localization is crucial for operational efficiency and safety. 

Industry Specific 

  1. Are there industries other than autonomous vehicles that use GPR for positioning?  
    GPR works across several applications. Successful case studies and tests have been seen in the military, mining, seaports, shuttles, trucking, offroad, and others. For more information, please see our Industries page. Our commitment is to provide the most advanced method for localization, empowering autonomous fleets to navigate and operate everywhere humans can.