GMV ensures high-precision, reliable positioning for BMW’s autonomous cars

In the rapidly evolving landscape of autonomous driving, the precision and reliability of positioning systems is critical. Leveraging on the advanced capabilities of European GNSS technologies such as EGNOS and Galileo, GMV provides high-precision, reliable positioning services for BMW Group’s autonomous vehicles.

Use case description

Autonomous vehicles rely on accurate and reliable positioning data – including position, speed and heading information – to operate safely and efficiently. This data is essential for enabling automated driving functions that meet regulatory standards and ensure a safe environment for the operation of autonomous vehicles.

GMV is a worldwide leader company in technology solutions headquartered in Spain. GMV’s solution uses the capabilities of the EGNOS and Galileo satellite navigation systems to ensure compliance with the stringent requirements of autonomous driving.

The positioning solution consists of two main components:

• Positioning Engine (PE): This on-board software is integrated into the vehicle’s on-board unit. It processes GNSS signals, applies corrections and combines this data with inputs from other vehicle sensors to calculate a reliable position, speed and heading.
• GNSS Correction Service (CS): This service provides corrections to the broadcast ephemeris for the GNSS constellation, provides augmentation data to mitigate local atmospheric effects, and safety related information. These corrections and augmentations are critical to calculate a trustworthy position.

 Challenges addressed by the space-based service

The advent of autonomous driving technology presents a number of challenges, particularly in achieving high-precision and reliable positioning. The BMW Group needed to equip its autonomous vehicles with systems that would ensure their safety and that could adapt to changing environments. GMV addressed these challenges by using EGNOS and Galileo in the automotive positioning solution provided to BMW. The solution ensures the following:

• High accuracy: Autonomous driving requires centimetre-level positioning accuracy and the GNSS Correction Service provides precise corrections to achieve it.
• Reliability: The Positioning Engine ensures a reliable calculation of vehicles’ position, speed and heading, incorporating corrections from the GNSS Correction Service and data from additional sensors.
• Safety: By providing high-precision positioning data and integrating it with vehicle sensors, the solution enhances the overall safety of autonomous driving systems.

Benefits of the space-based service

The integration of GMV’s space-based positioning service in BMW’s autonomous vehicles offers several significant benefits:

• Improved safety: Accurate positioning data reduces the risk of collisions and improves the overall safety of autonomous driving systems.
• Operational Efficiency: Accurate positioning enables more efficient route planning and navigation, optimising the performance of autonomous vehicles.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting stringent regulatory requirements for autonomous driving is facilitated by the high accuracy and reliability of positioning data.
• Technology Integration: The solution’s ability to integrate with vehicle sensors and other systems ensures seamless operation and enhances the functionality of autonomous driving features.

Implementation timeline

GMV’s innovative positioning solution is already embedded in some of BMW’s electric cars. The technology will be extended to other models and brands, reinforcing BMW’s commitment to pioneering advances in autonomous driving.

Intended users

• Vehicle manufacturers

Conclusion

GMV’s collaboration with the BMW Group marks a significant milestone on the road to fully autonomous driving. By leveraging on the advanced capabilities of EGNOS and Galileo, GMV is providing highly accurate and reliable positioning solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, GMV’s innovative technologies will play a critical role in shaping the future of transportation, ensuring that autonomous vehicles operate with the utmost precision and reliability. This initiative not only underscores GMV’s commitment to technological excellence, but also aligns with the broader goals of driving automotive innovation and improving road safety.