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First navigation with wireless muometric navigation system (MuWNS) in indoor and underground environments
Hiroyuki K M Tanaka1,2, Giuseppe Gallo2,3, Jon Gluyas2,4
1The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Iscience
|August 3, 2023
Summary
A new wireless navigation system uses cosmic-ray muons for accurate positioning in GPS-denied areas like basements. This muon-based navigation system (MuWNS) offers accuracy comparable to GPS, enabling future underground and autonomous robot applications.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics and Navigation Technologies
- Particle Physics Applications
Background:
- Indoor and underground navigation is crucial for automation in various sectors.
- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are unreliable in subterranean environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the first physical application of a novel wireless muometric navigation system (MuWNS).
- To assess MuWNS performance in a real-world, GPS-denied indoor environment (building basement).
Main Methods:
- Utilized the relativistic and penetrative properties of cosmic-ray muons.
- Developed and implemented a wireless muometric navigation system (MuWNS).
- Conducted a navigation test with a person in a basement setting.
Main Results:
- Achieved navigation accuracy comparable to or better than single-point GNSS/GPS in urban areas.
- Successfully demonstrated MuWNS functionality in a basement environment.
- Identified local clock stability as key for future improvements.
Conclusions:
- MuWNS is a viable navigation technique for environments where GNSS/GPS signals are unavailable.
- The system shows potential for enhancing autonomous mobile robot navigation and other underground/underwater applications.
- Further development in timing stability can significantly boost MuWNS performance.
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