In a strategic move that promises to reshape the landscape of autonomous navigation, Carnegie Robotics has announced its acquisition of the Duro product line from Swift Navigation Inc. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the evolution of high-precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology and its application in autonomous systems across various industries.

The Duro line, initially launched in 2017 as a collaborative effort between Swift Navigation and Carnegie Robotics, has been at the forefront of providing high-precision GNSS receivers and software. These systems are designed to deliver accurate positioning even in the most challenging environments, making them invaluable for a wide range of applications from marine navigation to military operations.

Mike Embrescia, chief development officer of Carnegie Robotics, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are excited to fully integrate the Duro product line into our product portfolio. We look forward to further enhancing the product to deliver even greater value, and to continue supporting our key markets in marine, construction, mining, agriculture, rail, and military."

This move aligns perfectly with Carnegie Robotics' focus on off-road autonomy, which has been the company's primary direction since 2017. Embrescia elaborated on their approach: "First, we help autonomize a thing. We also design and build products that power autonomy — cameras, pose filters, and the localization hardware and software stack."

Carnegie Robotics, founded in 2010, has an impressive track record in the field of robotics and autonomous systems. The company has collaborated with high-profile organizations such as the U.S. Army and DARPA, co-created Uber's Advanced Technology Group (which was later acquired by Aurora Innovation), and developed an autonomous floor-cleaning robot in partnership with Nilfisk. Their product portfolio includes several stereo cameras, the QAC-2 rugged computer for mobile indoor robots, the Cardshark military-grade wearable device, and the Stallion autonomous off-road vehicle.

The acquisition of the Duro line is expected to significantly expand Carnegie Robotics' intellectual property and advance the safety and efficiency of autonomous and semi-autonomous machinery. The company has already surpassed 5 million hours of autonomous robots in use, a testament to the reliability and effectiveness of their technology.

Precise positioning using GNSS technology is crucial for the accurate operation of heavy equipment, particularly in challenging environments. The integration of Duro's receivers into Carnegie Robotics' existing product line will enable centimeter-level accuracy, a critical factor in many autonomous applications.

For Swift Navigation, this acquisition aligns with their strategic shift towards a software-only service model with hardware integrations. Brad Sherrard, executive vice president and general manager of industrial at Swift Navigation, commented on the acquisition: "Swift is committed to advancing location-based products that improve safety and efficiency across industries. Carnegie Robotics' acquisition of the Duro line underscores the quality of the products and the success of our collaboration. We look forward to continuing our strategic partnership with Carnegie Robotics."

Swift Navigation, founded in 2012, has made significant strides in the field of precise positioning systems. Their technology enables accurate mapping, tracking, and navigation for autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, outdoor robots, drones, logistics applications, and mobile innovations. Recently, the company announced that its technology has supported more than 10 million advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) worldwide, highlighting the growing importance of precise navigation in the automotive industry.

The acquisition of the Duro line by Carnegie Robotics represents a convergence of two leading companies in the field of autonomous navigation. As the demand for precise positioning continues to grow across various industries, from agriculture to autonomous vehicles, this strategic move positions Carnegie Robotics to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of autonomous systems.

As the integration of the Duro line progresses, industry observers will be keenly watching to see how Carnegie Robotics leverages this technology to push the boundaries of what's possible in autonomous navigation. With their commitment to quality, evidenced by their ISO 9001 certification, and their comprehensive approach to design, testing, production, and calibration, all conducted on-site, Carnegie Robotics is well-positioned to lead the next wave of innovation in this rapidly evolving field.