“I feel like every time I’m trying to navigate downtown or further out, GPS apps are unresponsive, inaccurate, and often lead me the wrong way,” one frustrated user shared on Reddit, highlighting the common struggles of navigating through Tokyo. This issue isn’t unique to Japan—it’s a global problem, even as substantial investments are made in satellite navigation systems.

This week, our team is excited to attend Automotive World Japan, where we’ll discuss how our product, S-GNSS® Auto, utilises our patented Supercorrelation™ technology to address these widespread GNSS performance challenges in the automotive industry. We’ll demonstrate how our software is making Asia’s roads safer and more reliable through insights from our recent trials from Canary Wharf, London and Black Forest, Germany.

Global Satellite Navigation Systems (GNSS) – commonly referred to as ‘GPS’ – are integral to global economic growth, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. While Japan has advanced its positioning accuracy through systems like the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), challenges with GPS accuracy still pose significant risks, particularly in the accessibility and effectiveness of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Japan has been a leader in the development of ADAS, driven by government regulations aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing accidents. Valued at USD 3.78 billion in FY2023, the ADAS market in Japan is expected to reach USD 7.76 billion by FY2031. The rise of electric and autonomous vehicles is propelling this growth, prompting collaborations between automotive brands and technology partners to achieve greater advancements in autonomous mobility.

At the core of these advancements is the adoption of positioning services. GNSS plays a pivotal role in providing absolute positioning, crucial for cross-checking the accuracy of sensors, cameras, and radars—especially in complex urban environments. As the only sensor capable of determining a vehicle’s absolute position globally and the sensor typically used to calibrate inertial sensors, improving the reliability of GNSS receivers is a logical first step in addressing the limitations of current positioning systems.

Cities like Tokyo and Osaka, known for their towering skyscrapers and “urban canyons,” present significant challenges for GPS signals. Inaccurate GPS data in these areas can lead to serious navigation issues, particularly for pedestrians and vehicles dependent on real-time location information. These problems are often compounded by multipath effects, where GPS signals bounce off buildings, causing erroneous positioning.

GNSS accuracy is essential for the continued development of ADAS and autonomous driving systems, as it provides critical absolute positioning data. Our team will be showcasing the growing importance of enhancing GNSS technology across Asia and its vital role in the automotive industry and running a series of talks on the indispensable role of GNSS as a critical sensor to unlocking the future of autonomous vehicles.

S-GNSS® Auto has demonstrated a significant improvement in GNSS sensor accuracy, enabling automotive manufacturers to place greater trust in GNSS as they advance their driving assistance and autonomous systems.

We look forward to seeing you in Tokyo.