Weekly Product News

November 3, 2026

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u-blox Launches ZED-X20T Flagship GNSS Module for Critical Infrastructure Timing

Thalwil, Switzerland-based u-blox has unveiled the ZED-X20T, an all-band, all-constellation GNSS timing module engineered to deliver resilient time synchronization for cellular networks, data centers, and power grids even when satellite signals are targeted or disrupted. Built on the u-blox X20 platform, the module achieves sub-2.0 nanosecond timing accuracy under clear skies by using satellite-delivered Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) corrections without requiring external internet connections or paid subscriptions.

u-blox’s new ZED-X20 GNSS timing module (u-blox).

The company also rolled out its u-blox ALMA-W1, a compact series of ultra-low power Wi-Fi 6/6E modules based on the Nordic Semiconductor nRF7120 and nRF7120E SoCs. It combines Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE (with support for the latest features, including Channel Sounding) and 802.15.4 radios – in embedded-antenna variants. Finally, the company introduced the u-blox SAM-M11N, a GNSS receiver and omnidirectional antenna in one compact, 4.4 gram module.

Contact: Anabela Fernandes, u-blox, anabela.fernandes@u-blox.com.

Topcon Partners With Italian Ministry of Culture to Digitally Preserve Basilica of Vitruvius

Topcon Positioning Group has entered into a scientific sponsorship agreement with Italy’s Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape to support the documentation and real-time monitoring of the newly discovered Basilica of Vitruvius in Fano, Italy. The collaboration leverages Topcon’s 3D laser scanning, GNSS surveying, photogrammetry, and ground-penetrating radar technologies to assist regional authorities with site data capture.

Andrea Pessina (left) of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape (SABAP) and Ivan Di Federico (right) of Topcon are pictured during the signing of a scientific sponsorship agreement (Topcon).

Through these geospatial tools, partners will build a detailed digital twin of the 2,000-year-old excavation site to advance academic research and public engagement. Topcon will also provide specialized training and scientific coordination to help Italian cultural officials protect and interpret the landmark discovery.

Contact: Staci Fitzgerald, Topcon Positioning Systems, (925) 245-8610, corpcomm@topcon.com.

GeoComm and Rypplzz Partner to Enhance 3D Location Intelligence for Public Safety

GeoComm has announced a partnership with Rypplzz to integrate advanced spatial intelligence into public safety systems. The collaboration combines Rypplzz’s software-defined 3D positioning technology with GeoComm’s public safety-grade indoor mapping solutions.

The Rypplzz spatial intelligence system has physical AI applications beyond public safety, including telecommunications, transportation, autonomous systems, and defense (Rypplzz).

By merging these capabilities, the companies aim to resolve complex floor-level location challenges for emergency dispatchers and first responders. Ultimately, the partnership seeks to improve situational awareness and accelerate response times during critical incidents in multi-story facilities.

Contact: Ray Vincenzo, Rypplzz, (206) 290-4431, www.rypplzz.com.

Leica Geosystems Launches CS50 Controller and Captivate 2027 Software

Leica Geosystems has introduced the new Leica CS50 field controller alongside the Leica Captivate 2027 software update to accelerate and secure fieldwork operations. The rugged controller is engineered to handle extreme environmental conditions while streamlining data collection for surveying and construction professionals, the company said.

Leica Geosystems introduced the Leica CS50 field controller and Leica Captivate 2027 field software (Leica Geosystems).

Meanwhile, the updated Captivate software introduces advanced visualization tools and seamless cloud integration to reduce bottlenecks in complex data processing workflows. Together, this hardware and software pairing aims to maximize productivity and data reliability across modern geospatial projects, the company said.

Contact: Christine Grahl, Hexagon’s Geomatics Division, (248) 339-6889, christine.grahl@hexagon.com, www.leica-geosystems.com.

Infleqtion Demonstrates Quantum Timing Tech in Naval Exercise

Infleqtion successfully demonstrated its Tiqker optical atomic clock aboard the U.S. Navy support vessel RV Merlin during the Maritime Big Play Pacific military exercise. Operating continuously for two weeks in harsh maritime conditions, the compact quantum sensor provided precise timing to support resilient navigation independent of GPS. The trial evaluated quantum positioning capabilities alongside international partners to enhance operational continuity for forward-deployed joint forces.

Contact: Emily O’Brien, Infleqtion, media@infleqtion.com

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PHY Wireless and Surfact Partner to Advance Cold-Chain Logistics Tracking

PHY Wireless has announced a collaboration with Surfact to improve real-time location tracking and battery efficiency for temperature-sensitive perishable goods. By using edge-based cellular positioning rather than power-intensive GPS, the technology calculates location directly on ruggedized devices inside shipping containers and warehouses.

PHY Wireless has partnered with Surfact, a provider of intelligent tracking solutions (PHY Wireless).

This approach enables logistics operators to receive significantly more frequent location updates while extending battery life and reducing operational costs, the comapny said. The joint initiative will also support Surfact’s expansion of its intelligent tracking platform across North American and European supply chains.

Contact: Kelly Poffenberger, for PHY Wireless, (714) 553-9071, kelly@gflashmedia.com.

ARK Electronics Rolls Out New GPS Module

ARK Electronics has introduced the NDAA-compliant ARK G5 P8 RTK GPS module, featuring advanced anti-jamming and spoofing protection for unmanned defense systems. Built around Septentrio’s mosaic-G5 P8 receiver, the unit uses AIM+ Ultimate technology to secure quad-band, multi-constellation satellite tracking in contested environments.

ARK Electronics’ ARK G5 P8 RTK GPS module (ARK Electronics).

The lightweight, U.S.-manufactured hardware integrates a robust sensor suite—including a six-axis IMU, magnetometer, and barometer—alongside dual-antenna heading capabilities supporting update rates up to 100 Hz. Designed for seamless drone and robotics integration, the module offers Pixhawk-standard CAN connectivity and flexible configuration options for mission-critical operations.

Contact: ARK Electronics, www.ark-electronics.com.

Connected Vehicle Market to Exceed 1 Billion Units by 2035 Amid Looming LTE Shutdown

The global installed base of connected vehicles is projected to surpass 1.05 billion units by 2035, growing at a compound annual rate of 8.3% from 473.7 million in 2025, according to new research from Omdia. However, the market research firm warns that planned LTE network retirements starting in 2030 could cause severe operational disruptions for software-defined vehicles.

Omdia’s figures for connected vehicle installed base (Omdia).

Because critical functions like over-the-air updates, dynamic navigation routing, and advanced driver assistance systems rely heavily on LTE connectivity, automakers face significant risks if slow 5G adoption leaves vehicles without active network access, Omdia said. To avoid vehicle stranding and maintain continuity for safety services and recurring revenue streams, Omdia urges vehicle manufacturers to closely align long-term product roadmaps with mobile network operator decommission timelines.

Contact: Fasiha Khan, Omdia, fasiha.khan@omdia.com.

People

Chet Dhruna has joined SiriusXM as senior vice president, product and general manager, automotive.
Miguel Garcia has joined TomTom as vice president of engineering for location intelligence solutions.
Mike Gilbert has been named vice president, product and quality at TomTom.
James Janisse has been named vice president of navigation software engineering at TomTom.
Anouk Stoof has been named global head of marketing at TomTom.
Courtney Reinhard has been nominated for FCC Space Bureau chief.
Targa Telematics has appointed Marco Amendolagine as head of business development insurance.
Francisco Javier de Blas Fernández has been named PNT services management team leader at EUSPA.
Andy Givens has been named product platform manager – GEO platform at Topcon Positioning.
Baran Alphan has been named strategic growth and partnerships manager at TomTom.
David Mesina has been named customer success manager at Point One Navigation.
Aaron De La Cruz has been named team lead, end user services, North America at Hexagon Autonomous Solutions.
Kenia Martinez has joined Geotab as business development manager, LATAM.