Partners Form Satellite Nav Receiver Venture

Suppliers Robert Bosch GmbH and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. are teaming up with global positioning systems specialists Geo++ GmbH and u-blox AB to form a joint venture that aims to enhance global navigation satellite system (GNSS) services for mass-market applications.

Dubbed Sapcorda Services GmbH, the new company will provide an open-format platform that will allow system integrators, carmakers and receiver manufacturers to develop and market precise GNSS positioning services, according to the partners. They describe the system as a “real-time correction data service” that can be accessed via the internet or satellite broadcast with a “centimeter-level” accuracy rate.

Sapcorda will be based in Berlin and is targeting high-volume automotive, consumer and industrial customers. Autonomous and connectivity vehicle technologies are among the primary automotive applications.

The open architecture will be compatible with various regional GNSS protocols, the partners say. They plan to provide more information about the venture later this year.

Germany’s Geo++ provides GNSS software for positioning applications. Switzerland’s u-blox makes wireless and positioning semiconductors and modules.