‘Dumb drones’ get smart: World’s 1st navigation tech to let UAVs fly blind | These circuits are ten times more precise than the Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems Inertial Measurement Units typically used in commercial applications.

From the article: Canadian firm has developed a highly cost-effective inertial optical system that equals the accuracy of navigational sensors used in the aircraft sector.

The circuits developed by Montreal-based One Silicon Chip Photonics (OSCP) offer highly accurate navigation even without GPS signals.

Because they are entirely mechanical, the circuits are ten times more precise than the Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems Inertial Measurement Units (MEMS IMUs) commonly used in commercial applications.

OSCP claims that the new technology will facilitate the mass adoption of autonomous systems in applications such as autonomous vehicles and drones.

Electronics have become smaller, faster, and more efficient, but miniaturization is limited by heat dissipation in copper wiring. Replacing electrons with photons and copper with optical fibers solves this issue.

Previously, photonics technology required bulky, costly converters to replace wires with fibers. Now, micro-photonics and electronic components can be integrated at the chip level, allowing a single fiber to carry all information.

Optical MEMS (MOEMS) technology removes electronics constraints, enabling faster data transmission and greater bandwidth. OSCP designs and makes high-performance motion sensors using Silicon Photonics. These sensors use Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) and Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology to measure an object’s acceleration and rotation.

OSCP aims to fully integrate optical components into the PIC chip, reducing size, weight, and power consumption and eliminating assembly costs. This integration enhances system reliability, reduces optical loss, and increases device sensitivity.

The firm has now teamed up with teamed up with Thales, a multinational French firm that is creating autonomous rail systems and has been field-testing its latest technology.

“The road to full autonomy requires fundamental innovation in navigation, not more sensors and workarounds. OSCP delivers a blend of precision, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in an integrated photonic chip,” said Cornel Chiriac, Founding Partner of 2050 Capital, in a [statement](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dumb-drones-set-to-become-smart-with-a-world-first-in-navigation-technology-302162551.html).