u-blox Holding

u-blox secures significant project wins in the robotic lawnmower market with its high-precision positioning technology

u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, announced a number of significant project wins in the robotic lawnmower (RLM) sector, marking a notable achievement by partnering with the majority of manufacturers in this space. These project wins are not just milestones for the company but are anticipated to generate upwards of USD 100 million in expected revenue over time, starting from 2024. This accomplishment positions the company as a dominant force in high-precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology and underlines its strategic positioning and influence in shaping the future of robotic lawnmowing.

The robotic lawnmower market is experiencing significant growth. According to an ABI report (2023), the robotic lawnmower market will have 2.6 million units in 2024 and is estimated to grow by about 18.5% in the next years. Our expectation for high-precision GNSS technology to reach a 33% penetration rate in this market by the end of the decade exemplifies the category of machines suitable for a wide range of autonomous robotic applications across manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure monitoring, smart cities, and other Internet of Things (IoT) segments.

Traditional robotic lawnmowers, which typically rely on buried boundary wires to define the mowing area, can be labor-intensive to install and maintain due to their susceptibility to damage. Mowers with basic sensors often navigate in random patterns with rudimentary obstacle avoidance, leading to inefficient coverage. The inefficiency of their navigation means they consume more time and electricity, raising operational costs. 

The advancements in GNSS technology, particularly the development of real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS systems capable of delivering centimeter-level accuracy, have made it possible to significantly enhance the performance of RLMs in a sustainable manner. Precise positioning and navigation eliminate the need for boundary wires, ensure systematic mowing without overlap, provide even mowing and desired patterns while protecting sensitive areas like flowerbeds from accidental damage, and enhance the lawn's aesthetic appeal by effortlessly creating pleasing stripe patterns or intricate designs. Overall high-precision positioning technology saves time, energy, and operational expenses.  

Stephan Zizala, CEO at u-blox, said: “I am pleased with u-blox’s achievement in the robotic lawnmower sector and extend my gratitude to our partners for the trust they placed in us. Achieving centimeter-level accuracy in GNSS broadens the possibilities for implementing this technology across multiple markets. I am confident that we’ll witness a growing adoption of high-precision positioning technology in various products. With u-blox's technological edge in the field, we will continue collaborating with our customers on innovative solutions.”

u-blox reports resilient results in 2023

• Revenue of CHF 576.9 million

• EBIT (adjusted) of CHF 69.7 million, EBITDA (adjusted) of CHF 112.4 million

• Free cash flow of CHF 10.9 million

• Well on track with strategy execution announced at the CMD in November 2023

• Growth expected to pick up of after reaching the lowest point in Q1 2024

u-blox module unlocks new automotive use cases

u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has announced JODY-W6, a concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi 6E module with Bluetooth 5.3, including LE Audio, in a compact size (13.8 x 19.8 x 2.5 mm). The new module targets automotive use cases in infotainment and navigation, advanced telematics, as well as OEM telematics. 

According to the TSR* (Techno Systems Research CO. LTD.) Wireless Connectivity Market Report, Wi-Fi 6 and 6E technologies are experiencing significant and promising growth in the automotive industry. Wi-Fi 6 focuses on efficiency, with reduced data congestion, improved network capacity, and lower overall power consumption. Instead, Wi-Fi 6E focuses on spectrum, enabling more concurrent users, reduced congestion, and enhanced security.

Not only does the u-blox JODY-W6 deliver the benefits of Wi-Fi 6E, but it also features dual-mode Bluetooth with LE Audio. JODY-W6 is globally certified and can withstand operating temperatures from -40 °C up to 105 °C.

The module is available with either two or three antennas. Upon request, it can also integrate an LTE filter. An EVK and an M.2 card will be available for the JODY-W6 series. Furthermore, its compatibility with previous JODY modules to ensure seamless scalability. 

“JODY-W6 is a smart and reliable solution that helps overcome congestion and fulfills scalability requirements through its highly adaptable compact size. Specific use cases include support for AppleCarPlay® and AndroidAuto™, personalized entertainment, data off-loading, and smart/roof-integrated antennas,” says Sebastian Schreiber, Senior Product Line Manager, Short Range Product Center, u-blox. 

The u-blox JODY-W6 comes equipped with an embedded NXP® Semiconductors AW693 chipset.

“The AW693 SoC (System-on-Chip) embedded in the automotive JODY-W6 SoM (System-on-Module) leverages the latest concurrent dual-band Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth LE audio technologies to unlock new opportunities for a wide variety of use cases and businesses in the automotive domain. The AW693 chipset is packed with advanced features, including MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and target wake time (TWT), allowing the u-blox JODY-W6 compact module to benefit from the synergy of our gold partnership,” says Larry Olivas, Vice President and General Manager of Wireless Connectivity Solutions, NXP Semiconductors.

Samples are currently available, with volume production scheduled for Q1-2025.