The Startup Revolutionizing Satellite Navigation with AI and MagNav
Artificial intelligence and magnetic navigation (MagNav) are poised to address some of the most persistent challenges faced by global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). While these systems are integral to modern navigation, they are often vulnerable to signal degradation and attacks, as highlighted by recent geopolitical tensions.
Luca Ferrara, the general manager of SandboxAQ's Navigation department, states, "Our AQNav technology does not replace existing systems, but enhances them to improve safety and serve as a primary navigation source during GPS outages." The firm's collaborations with notable industry giants like Alphabet, the US Air Force, Airbus, and Boeing, underline the project's ambitious scope. SandboxAQ’s technology, which has driven its valuation to $5.6 billion, is already being utilized in the biopharmaceutical and life sciences industries to develop treatments and identify new biomarkers.
Navigation Leveraging the Earth's Magnetic Field
SandboxAQ, where "A" stands for "artificial intelligence" and "Q" for "quantum technology," utilizes quantum magnetometers in conjunction with AI to decode the Earth's magnetic field. The generated signals are then compared with sophisticated navigation algorithms alongside known magnetic maps to minimize positional errors. "We’re identifying the unique magnetic fingerprints of rock formations beneath the Earth's surface," Ferrara explained. AI further assists by neutralizing potential interference from an aircraft's movements and systems.
This innovation offers a protective measure against the rising threats faced by conventional navigation systems. These include risks like signal jamming and spoofing, particularly in volatile regions like the Russian-Ukrainian borders and the South China Sea.
The image showcases the AQNav hardware developed by SandboxAQ, exemplifying their cutting-edge approach to navigation technology.
Origins in Google Labs
SandboxAQ’s concept and team materialized within Alphabet from 2016 to 2022, led by Google’s former CEO Eric Schmidt. Initially, it explored applications for AI and quantum technologies under Google's "X," known as the Moonshots Factory. Upon becoming independent, founder Jack Hidary expanded its focus across diverse fields requiring advanced AI solutions.
"Our Large Quantitative Models (LQM) and other technologies are driving significant progress in various sectors," Ferrara noted. These LQMs process and interpret extensive quantitative datasets, offering applications comparable to Large Language Models but focusing on statistical analysis and prediction.
The Project's Swift Advancement
"Since May 2023, we have tested numerous iterations of our systems, flying AQNav across various aircraft types, including single-engine planes and military transports," Ferrara shared. Among these real flight scenarios were significant military exercises with the US Air Force and partners like Boeing and Acubed, Airbus' innovation center in Silicon Valley.
The technology's maturity level is considered intermediate, with challenges remaining in platform integration and developing a globally reliable system. AI plays a crucial role in synthesizing the magnetic data with aircraft-specific signals to ensure accurate navigation.