MicroPilot and Trimble have entered into an agreement that will enable the integration of Trimble’s high-precision Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technology into the MP2128 Triple Redundant UAS Autopilot.

MicroPilot produces autopilots for all types of professional drones, including fixed-wing, multi-rotor and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). As Trimble looks to gain market share in the UAS industry, the team at MicroPilot can offer their years of expertise integrating guidance, navigation and support systems in these platforms.

“MicroPilot has phenomenal integration abilities,” Trimble’s Strategic Initiatives Director for Wireless & UAV InTech Division Joe Carey said during this year’s AUVSI XPONENTIAL conference in Denver. “They have a team that integrates the autopilot into the airframe. We want to be integrated into as many airframes as possible. It’s an emerging market and we want to be part of it, but we don’t want to be in the airframe business.”

Integrating autopilots can be difficult because a lot of settings have to be fine-tuned, Carey said. The team at MicroPilot offers support through the design cycle and completes extensive testing to ensure they provide a reliable autopilot that safely guides and controls drones.

MicroPilot works closely with high-end drone companies that make high-capability systems and wanted to join forces with a professional GNSS manufacturer that could support the precision and reliability needs of their customers, said Howard Loewen, President of MicroPilot. Trimble is a leader in this category and will be able to support MicroPilot customers with product development, testing and operations. Trimble’s GNSS receivers are used for many applications, including robotics and autonomous vehicle guidance.

“We’ll benefit from better technical support and better access to their technical team and vice versa,” Loewen said. “We’ll be able to take better advantage of all the features Trimble products have to offer.”