VectorNav Partners with Neya Systems for advanced Robotics Integration

VectorNav Technologies has revealed its collaboration with Neya Systems, supplying the VN-100 IMU/AHRS in a surface mount format for a tailored version of the UxAB module. Neya Systems LLC, part of northrop Grumman’s initiative for the AEODRS (Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robotic System) Increment 1 Autonomous Behavior Capability Module, will provide this customized UxAB platform to Northrop Grumman as part of their Increment 1 delivery.

Innovative Technology in a Compact Design

The VN-100, comparable in size to a postage stamp, is a MEMS-based IMU/AHRS that has been temperature calibrated. It features 3-axis accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, offering users a continuous real-time 3D orientation solution across a full 360 degrees of motion at frequencies reaching up to 400 Hz. Beyond its calibrated IMU and AHRS capabilities, the VN-100 is equipped with VectorNav’s proprietary Vector Processing Engine (VPE), which employs advanced sensor fusion algorithms. These algorithms provide real-time rejection of magnetic and acceleration disturbances,adaptive signal filtering,dynamic filter tuning,and onboard compensation for hard and soft iron effects.

Seamless Integration into Neya’s UxAB Platform

The VN-100 module is being directly integrated into the electronics of Neya Systems’ UxAB platform, which is a fully autonomous and semi-autonomous capability module. This platform includes features such as GPS waypoint navigation, multi-joint manipulator control with self-collision avoidance, retrotraverse, return-to-communications, and optional obstacle avoidance functionalities. Neya is leveraging the calibrated pitch and roll data from the VN-100 to enhance its control systems, including providing alerts when the robotic module is at risk of tipping. The magnetometer-based heading solution from the VN-100 is utilized for waypoint navigation, with VectorNav offering specialized hard and soft iron calibration to ensure accurate heading in diverse environmental conditions.

Expert Insights on the Collaboration

“We are excited to have VectorNav as a technology partner for this project,” stated Dr. Parag Batavia, founder of Neya. “The custom UxAB developed for this initiative faced challenging IMU operational demands. We required a compact, high-quality, calibrated solution that could deliver precise heading in difficult environments, and the VN-100 met these criteria. The expertise of their team in navigation and magnetic calibration significantly enhances the value of our platform.”

AEODRS: The Future of Robotic Systems

the AEODRS represents the next evolution in Explosive Ordnance Disposal robotic systems, designed to upgrade and enhance the capabilities of currently deployed platforms. Built on an open architecture,Neya’s Autonomy Module will adhere to the necessary logical,electrical,and physical interfaces dictated by this framework. Neya is adapting its commercially available UxAB platform to meet the specific requirements of the AEODRS Capability Module.