Japanese heavy industry manufacturer IHI Corporation has deployed Trimble’s map-based localisation system for land-based autonomous vehicle applications, Applanix POS LV.
IHI will retrofit its existing container and haulage trucks with a customised Applanix POS LV system as part of its broader autonomy capabilities for the transport of goods around industrial facilities.
Map-based localisation provides precise positioning and orientation estimation, augmenting GNSS/inertial data.
This is critical for safe and efficient autonomous vehicle operations and ensures seamless integration into IHI’s truck design.
Using Trimble’s custom-built, locally supported system provides robust positioning for IHI Corporation autonomous fleet without additional site infrastructure. This lowers capital expenditure costs and improves scalability.
Tailoring POS LV to work within IHI’s unique specifications and existing autonomous platform, the map-based localisation system couples an inertial navigation system with simultaneous localisation and mapping-based capabilities.
The solution also works with several types of sensors, including LiDAR for IHI.
POS LV provides an accurate base map using post-processed data and localises vehicle positioning in real-time, enabling the reliable and safe autonomous operation of industrial vehicles.
IHI continually enhances its work environments, while also compensating for varying labour scenarios and personnel shortages.
This makes the need to automate transportation critical to operations.
By partnering with Trimble, IHI can develop a retrofit system that addresses two major challenges—affordability and consistent reliability—within the autonomous operation of large-scale industrial equipment.