Homeland Security

Army Seeks 'Tiny Autonomous Chip' to Replace GPS

CGA Note: Many of the technologies that are currently being used in every day civilian society, had their origins in military applications. Such was the case for GPS. Therefore, any new tracking technology being developed by DARPA, needs to be given much attention. In fact, this article flatly states that DARPA is looking into using it for ammunition and people tracking.

 


 

US army seeks new technology to replace GPS

AFP
April 25, 2013

The US army is working to limit its dependence on GPS by developing the next generation of navigation technology, including a tiny autonomous chip, the director of the Pentagon's research agency said Wednesday.

 

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Starting in 2010, DARPA has been working on a variety of programs aimed at developing new navigation and positioning technology -- at first with the goal of extending their reach to places where satellites don't work, such as underwater.

But now, amid fears of over-reliance on -- and possible vulnerabilities with -- global positioning satellites, experts are looking to create not just a companion, but an alternative to GPS.

To that end, researchers at DARPA and the University of Michigan have created a new system that works without satellites to determine position, time and direction, all contained within a eight-cubic-millimeter chip.

The tiny chip holds three gyroscopes, three accelerometers and an atomic clock, which, together, work as an autonomous navigation system.

DARPA envisages using this technology to replace GPS in some contexts, especially in small-caliber ammunition or for monitoring people. [Emphasis added]

[FULL ARTICLE...]

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