SKYFUSION. Comprehensive Autonomous Navigation For UAVs Beyond GNSS

The SKYFUSION research and development (R&D) project seeks to develop advanced GNSS-independent navigation systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a.k.a. drones. This will be achieved by integrating disruptive new motion and imaging sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques through advanced sensor fusion algorithms. The project’s overall objective is to enable accurate and reliable autonomous flight in complex and adverse environments.

The project will investigate and develop advanced sensing technologies, including a star tracker, LiDAR Doppler velocity log, short-wave infrared visual odometer, and LiDAR odometer. Geodetic-grade GNSS receivers, miniature atomic oscillators/clocks, barometric altimeters, and navigation-grade inertial measurement units will also be integrated. 

As navigation constitutes a dual-use technology, SKYFUSION also aims to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of air transport using drones. With safety as an uncompromising priority, the project emphasises (1) robust, accurate, and fault-tolerant navigation systems capable of operating in GNSS-challenged environments –such as those subject to signal jamming,– and (2) collision detection and avoidance, for which regulatory standardisation remains lacking, placing responsibility on the drone itself.

SKYFUSION targets helicopter drones, which offer versatility and proven capability for short- and medium-distance air transport, with a favourable load-to-weight ratio and flexible cargo options (attached or suspended). Cargo variations impact flight dynamics, stability, and control; accordingly, the project will develop autopilot control and stabilisation algorithms to manage weight and balance fluctuations, thereby optimising air cargo operations.

The initiative encompasses laboratory simulations and will culminate in an outdoor test of the prototype to validate the technology.

GeoNumerics’ primary objective and main task in SKYFUSION is to deliver an accurate and reliable time-position-velocity-attitude (tPVA) navigation solution, leveraging the high redundancy and quality of project-developed and third-party sensors. This involves characterising sensor error properties, developing mathematical calibration models, investigating and implementing full mathematical models (incorporating both tPVA navigation and calibration states) implementing comprehensive mathematical frameworks (incorporating tPVA states and calibration parameters), and integrating them into GeoNumerics’ NEXA sensor-agnostic fusion system. GeoNumerics will also analyse the navigation performance (precision, accuracy and reliability) of the SKYFUSION  multi-sensor prototype.

SKYFUSION is partially funded by the “Programa Misiones Ciencia e Innovación 2024”  of the Spanish “Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI).”

GeoNumerics is a research and development (R&D) intensive small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) specialising in geomatics and navigation. Accurate and robust multi-sensor positioning, orientation, and navigation software is among its specialities.

Sistemas de Informacion Territorial y Posicionamiento SL (SITEP) is an SME specialising in geographic information system’s (GIS) and an information and communication technology (ICT) engineering, providing consultancy, development and implementation of bespoke computer systems for land management. Mobile mapping with drones is among its standout services.

The Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI) is is a Business Public Entity under the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities that promotes innovation and technological development of Spanish companies. Its mission is to ensure that the Spanish business sector generates and transforms scientific and technical knowledge into growth that is globally competitive, sustainable and inclusive. CDTI’s “Programa Misiones Ciencia e Innovación” provides funding for large cooperative projects led by companies that address strategic challenges through high impact pre competitive research.

PROJECT DETAILS
Acronym: SKYFUSION
Title: SKYFUSION. Integrated autonomous navigation for UAVs beyond GNSS. (SKYFUSION. Navegación autónoma integral para UAV más allá del GNSS)
Period: 2024-09-01 to 2025-12-31
Funding: Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI). Programa Misiones Ciencia e Innovación 2024.  EXP - 00171106 / MIG-20241011.
Coordinator: Sistemas de Informacion Territorial y Posicionamiento SL (SITEP)
Other participants: QURV Technologies SL, Solar Mems Technologies SL, Twoptics Systems Design SL, GeoNumerics SL

The project SKYFUSION has received funding from CDTI, “Programa Misiones Ciencia e Innovación 2024,” under EXP - 00171106 / MIG-20241011.