In 2024, u-blox partnered with Topcon’s Topnet Live, gaining access to Topcon’s global network of real-time kinematic (RTK) correction stations. The partnership enhances u-blox’s positioning technology by building in a robust, high-accuracy positioning solution for mass-market applications.
Speaking with Inside GNSS at InterGEO 2024 in Stuttgart, Ari Kuukka, Principal Product Owner at u-blox, said, “With this agreement, u-blox is accelerating the democratization of high-accuracy positioning. We’ve been strong in embedded systems and consumer-grade positioning, but now we’re bringing RTK and precise point positioning (PPP) into environments that traditionally relied on less precise solutions.”
U-blox specializes in high-quality positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) components for IoT, automotive, and industrial applications. In particular, its expertise in low-power, high-efficiency GNSS receivers ensures customers benefit from optimized solutions that perform well while saving money. These advantages are especially valuable in large-scale deployments in areas such as industrial automation, smart infrastructure, and connected logistics.
To achieve high-accuracy positioning, u-blox customers previously had to source correction services separately. The Topnet Live partnership eliminates that step, allowing immediate and seamless integration of high-accuracy services with u-blox devices.
RTK for the masses
U-blox’s core markets have until now been quite satisfied with sub-meter positioning accuracy, but the rapid advance of unmanned systems, smart agriculture, drone delivery and autonomous vehicles means mean more and more customers now need robust, safe and effective correction services for higher-level results.
“This is not just another collaboration on paper,” said Ian Stilgoe, Vice President, Global Emerging Business at Topcon Positioning Systems. “We’re combining u-blox’s high-volume production capabilities with our high-precision GNSS services. The result is a scalable solution that meets the demands of both high-accuracy industries and emerging autonomous and mass-market applications.”
By simplifying RTK access, u-blox and Topcon are lowering the barriers for companies that have previously avoided high-accuracy GNSS solutions due to complexity or cost. “Many companies don’t have deep expertise in coordinates, geometry, and inertial integrations,” Stilgoe said. “They just need their systems to work. We’re making it as simple as possible for them to integrate high-accuracy positioning solutions without requiring specialized knowledge.
“And when it comes to infrastructure like ground stations, we’re filling gaps,” Stilgoe said. “Together, we can pool our resources, so instead of everyone building their own networks, we can bring that together and save money while expanding our reach, filling gaps in coverage and improving service quality.”
Opening ecosystems
At the same time, u-blox and Topcon are powering a wider trend towards open, interoperable positioning ecosystems. More and more, companies that have traditionally maintained a proprietary approach, are now adopting a more collaborative and brand-agnostic mindset. This shift towards openness is essential as customers seek integrated solutions as opposed to piecemeal, component-based systems.
“Customers don’t want to deal with multiple service providers just to get a device working accurately,” Stilgoe said. “They want seamless integration, and that’s exactly what this partnership delivers, ensuring high precision without unnecessary complexity.” The transition aligns with recent developments in the market that embrace more flexible, open-access positioning frameworks, all of which can lead to broader adoption of high-precision positioning solutions without vendor lock-in.
“The Topnet Live and u-blox announcement is important,” said, u-blox’s Martin Strom, who was also in Stuttgart for InterGEO “It’s really about connecting and combining the strengths of the back offices, and it’s the kind of thing that must happen. Everybody cannot build their own reference network, and when you can come together like this it ultimately means more options toward the customer.”
What’s Next?
The initial rollout of the u-blox-Topcon partnership will include new commercial offerings that integrate Topnet Live correction services with u-blox hardware. Expect to see:
- Low-cost, high-efficiency devices with built-in RTK capabilities
- High-accuracy positioning solutions for mass-market applications
- Expanded access to reliable correction services without added complexity
With precision positioning becoming a necessity rather than a luxury, this collaboration marks a major step toward wider adoption of high-accuracy GNSS solutions.
