Swift Navigation, Lightbug partner to provide accurate geolocating

Swift Navigation, a provider of precise positioning systems for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications, and Lightbug, a provider of GPS trackers and IoT devices, recently announced a strategic partnership to enhance worker safety and asset tracking in several industries. 

The collaboration brings together Swift’s cloud-based Skylark Precise Positioning Service with Lightbug’s rugged, mass deployed tracking devices, enabling accuracy within 1 foot even in challenging environments.

For industries such as railroads, logistics, and infrastructure, the ability to pinpoint a person or a high-value asset with precision is more than a convenience—it's a critical safety requirement. 

“At Swift Navigation, we believe that safety starts with certainty,” said Daniel Optendrenk, Swift Navigation VP of sales and business development. “Our partnership with Lightbug is a game-changer because it takes our high-precision positioning technology and puts it directly into the hands of those who need it most. This collaboration isn't just about technical specifications; it’s about ensuring every worker is safe and every asset is accounted for, giving our customers confidence and peace of mind."

Accuracy within one foot in obstructed conditions

Traditional GPS systems struggle in complex environments such as rail corridors, urban canyons, or dense construction sites, where satellite signals can be obstructed or unreliable. This lack of accuracy puts workers at risk and makes it difficult to track and manage valuable assets.

The new partnership directly addresses these challenges. Lightbug's latest products - the wearable RTK Handheld 2 (RH2) and RTK Vehicle Tracker - are now fully compatible with Swift Navigation’s Skylark service, which provides real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections and is ISO 26262 certified.

This combination can deliver reliable, high-integrity positioning for critical applications. The joint systems supports essential safety use cases, including lone worker protection with automated geofencing and real-time alerts, as well as high-value asset tracking in remote or obstructed locations. 

“Our devices are built to perform in the toughest conditions,” said Chris Guest, Lightbug CEO. “Integrating Swift’s Skylark allows us to deliver on our promise of reliable, high-performance tracking with unprecedented accuracy. The Lightbug RTK Handheld 2, for example, can achieve real-world performance of up to 1 centimeter (about 0.4 inches) accuracy in open sky and sub-30 centimeter (about 1 foot) accuracy in partially obstructed conditions. This partnership helps us solve the real-world problems our customers face every day.”

For the rail industry, the system meets strict safety compliance standards, including the 300 mm or better accuracy requirement of Network Rail, the owner and operator of Britain’s national railway infrastructure and a Lightbug customer. Lightbug’s technology has been used by the PGA Tour to power immersive fan experiences with shot-by-shot precision.

The companies said their collaboration underscores a shared commitment to operational safety and automation, making the benefits of precise GNSS accessible to industries previously underserved by traditional positioning systems. Customers purchasing the Lightbug RTK Handheld 2 will also receive a six-month free trial of Skylark Precise Positioning Service, providing immediate access to centimeter-level accuracy.