Trimble has announced the extension of its collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies to advance precise positioning solutions for autonomous vehicles. This partnership aims to integrate Trimble’s cutting-edge ProPoint Go positioning engine with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2, enabling vehicles to achieve positioning accuracy within an impressive 10 centimeters. The first vehicles equipped with this innovative technology are expected to hit the roads by 2028.
Enabling Advanced Automation for a Broad Range of Vehicles
The partnership will cater to a wide spectrum of autonomous vehicles, including passenger cars, heavy-duty trucks, and more. This advanced positioning solution supports Level 2+ and higher levels of automated driving, enhancing the capabilities of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 provides an upgrade path to Level 3 autonomous driving, combining high-accuracy positioning with robust connectivity. This flexibility allows manufacturers to leverage a single chipset for a variety of applications, from advanced driver assistance systems to fully autonomous vehicle functionalities.
Driving Innovation with Precise Positioning
Trimble’s ProPoint Go engine plays a pivotal role in this system. Designed to deliver centimeter-level accuracy, it fuses multifrequency global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals to provide reliable position, velocity, and timing data. Additionally, the engine uses ASIL-C certified Trimble RTX correction data, ensuring safety and precision in automated driving scenarios.
“This ecosystem is engineered to prioritize safety while helping companies advance their automated driving technologies,” explained Olivier Casabianca, Trimble’s vice president of positioning services. He further emphasized the collaborative innovation between Trimble and Qualcomm that underpins this achievement.
The integration of ProPoint Go with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto platform sets a new benchmark for positioning solutions in autonomous vehicles. With capabilities like multifrequency HP-GNSS and real-time RF front-end functionalities, the platform supports major operators across global spectrum bands.
Broadening the Scope of Connectivity
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 automotive connectivity platform is equipped with a suite of cutting-edge technologies. These include integrated C-V2X direct communications, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and high-precision HP-GNSS. Together, these features create a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances vehicle connectivity, communication, and responsiveness.
Jeff Arnold, vice president of product management at Qualcomm Technologies, highlighted the importance of creating solutions that allow vehicles to respond accurately to their surroundings. “We are committed to delivering driver assistance technologies that push the boundaries of automated driving,” he stated, underscoring the company’s dedication to safety and innovation.
A Path Toward Safer Automated Driving
As the automotive industry moves toward higher levels of automation, the collaboration between Trimble and Qualcomm is a significant step forward. The integration of precise positioning and advanced connectivity technologies not only enhances the performance of autonomous vehicles but also ensures they can operate safely and reliably in real-world environments.
By combining their expertise, Trimble and Qualcomm are making strides to accelerate the deployment of autonomous vehicles that can navigate complex scenarios with precision. This partnership represents a vital milestone in the journey toward achieving widespread adoption of automated driving technologies.
