Fixposition, a Swiss company specializing in high-precision global positioning solutions, combines computer vision techniques with satellite navigation to deliver accuracy in both open fields and GNSS-challenged environments.
The company’s Vision-RTK sensor is renowned for its state-of-the-art sensor fusion technology, now equipping a wide range of autonomous systems, including robotic mowers, street sweepers, mining and construction machinery, and forestry and agricultural equipment. Since 2023, Fixposition has been integrating Topcon’s Topnet Live RTK correction services into its Vision-RTK sensors.
A Perfect Partnership
“What we do with Vision-RTK goes beyond visual odometry,” said Fixposition CEO Zhenzhong Su. “We incorporate visual positioning, our own RTK engine, advanced processing software, and a fusion architecture that is more robust than traditional Kalman filters. We call it ‘deep sensor fusion’ because it is tighter than tightly coupled.”
The partnership between Fixposition and Topcon is particularly compelling because of how seamlessly their technologies complement each other. “From a value chain perspective, Topcon and Fixposition fit together like two pieces of a puzzle,” Su explained. “Fixposition is a young company focused on software. While we sell sensors, we outsource their production. Meanwhile, Topcon is an established leader in correction services and GNSS hardware” Su acknowledged that not all market leaders are willing to collaborate with startups, making Topcon’s decision to partner with Fixposition a bold move. “We appreciate Topcon’s willingness to innovate and work with us. It’s a great partnership that benefits both companies,” he said.
Meeting Market Demand
Fixposition’s OEM customers require high-quality correction services, making the collaboration with Topcon a natural fit. By integrating state-of-the-art positioning sensors with RTK corrections, the two companies are meeting the increasing demand for turnkey solutions in the autonomous systems market.
This collaboration opens the door for a new customer base—companies that previously found computer-vision-based RTK solutions too costly or complex. “Topcon’s open architecture approach enables this accessibility,” Su noted. “We can integrate higher-quality IMUs to extend indoor positioning with lower drift, and we have new products in development featuring multiple stereo cameras and other enhancements.”
He emphasized that Fixposition and Topcon are creating a “technical symbiosis” to drive mass-market adoption by offering an affordable correction service bundled with the Vision-RTK sensor. “We’re planting the seeds for future growth, and we’re already seeing increased interest from a diverse customer base. It’s a significant milestone for Fixposition and a bold strategic move by Topcon.”
Enhancing Customer Experience
Fixposition’s new customers are often unfamiliar with RTK positioning, making ease of use a top priority. “Most customers just care about whether the system quickly achieves centimeter-level accuracy and whether the coverage is reliable,” Su explained.
To address this, Fixposition trains its Field Application Engineers (FAE) to provide first-layer customer support. “We guide our customers through the process, ensuring they have the information they need. By working closely with them, we continuously refine our product and support systems. At the end of the day, our job is simple: make it work. To earn a customer’s trust, the system must function reliably and consistently.”
The Fixposition-Topcon partnership reflects a broader industry shift toward integrated solutions that combine hardware and services to deliver greater value. Vision-RTK sensors now ship pre-configured with Topnet Live, complete with a Topcon account and credentials already activated. “All the customer has to do is power up,” Su said. “The sensors and correction services work immediately, delivering a seamless and hassle-free experience. It’s a winning formula.”
