The invisible infrastructure of modern life relies heavily on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a network of satellites providing positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. GNSS signals are the backbone of crucial systems, from mobile networks and energy grids to the internet and the widely used GPS. However, this critical infrastructure faces increasing threats from jamming and spoofing, where malicious actors disrupt or manipulate GNSS signals, causing potential chaos and disruption. Instances of such interference have been documented in various geopolitical hotspots, highlighting the vulnerability of our reliance on this technology.
Addressing this growing concern, SandboxAQ, a startup with roots in Alphabet’s experimental X division, is pioneering a solution that combines artificial intelligence with magnetic navigation (MagNav) to bolster and potentially replace GNSS in situations where signals are compromised. Their technology, AQNav, doesn’t aim to replace GNSS entirely but rather to enhance existing navigation systems, acting as a backup during outages and improving overall safety. This approach offers a crucial layer of redundancy and resilience against both intentional and unintentional disruptions to GNSS signals.
AQNav leverages quantum magnetometers, highly sensitive instruments capable of detecting minute changes in magnetic fields by measuring the behavior of subatomic particles. These magnetometers create a detailed magnetic fingerprint of the Earth’s crust based on the unique magnetic signatures of different rock formations. This data is then processed by sophisticated AI algorithms, which compare the measured magnetic field with known magnetic maps to pinpoint the aircraft’s precise location. This method effectively bypasses the need for satellite signals, providing an independent and secure navigation solution.
The AI component of AQNav plays a crucial role in filtering out magnetic interference generated by the aircraft itself. Every aircraft, due to its unique electrical systems and movements, creates its own magnetic “noise.” The AI algorithms are trained to recognize and eliminate these aircraft-specific interferences, ensuring the accuracy of the magnetic navigation system. This process of isolating and removing unwanted magnetic signals is essential for providing reliable and consistent positional information.
AQNav has undergone rigorous testing in real-world scenarios, accumulating hundreds of kilometers of flight data. Collaborating with major players in the aerospace industry, including the US Air Force, Boeing, and Airbus, SandboxAQ has validated its technology across a range of aircraft, from single-engine planes to large military transports. These tests have included participation in significant military exercises, demonstrating the system’s robustness and potential for deployment in demanding operational environments. The successful integration and performance of AQNav in these trials highlight the maturity of the technology and its readiness for wider adoption.
The genesis of SandboxAQ and its innovative navigation solution lies within Alphabet, Google’s parent company. From 2016 to 2022, the team, while still at Alphabet, explored potential applications for cutting-edge technologies like AI and quantum computing, originating from Google’s X division, also known as the “moonshot factory.” This focus on exploring unconventional and ambitious ideas led to the development of AQNav, a technology that addresses a critical vulnerability in modern infrastructure. The transition from a research project within a large tech company to an independent startup poised to revolutionize navigation systems underscores the potential impact of this groundbreaking technology. By leveraging the combined power of AI and quantum sensing, SandboxAQ is contributing to a more resilient and secure future for critical infrastructure and navigation systems worldwide.
