Quantum-enabled maritime navigation – summary of workshop

Posted on: 15/04/2019

Assessing the value of current innovations in quantum-enabled systems to the development of resilient PNT solutions

A report has been produced following a workshop organised by the Quantum Systems Engineering Research Group at Loughborough University, in association with KTN and supported by the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

The workshop considered the potential value of applying current innovations in quantum-enabled systems to the development of resilient Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions and to understand the requirements and needs of the maritime community.

The context for the workshop was set by the recent Blackett review into Satellite-derived Time and Position which highlighted the risks arising from over-reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for PNT needs.

Quantum technology, a rapidly maturing field, presents pathways to realising resilient, potentially GNSS-free, PNT, however, there are scientific and engineering challenges to overcome.

This workshop was held to gain a deeper understanding of user requirements, priorities, and the trade-space for a resilient maritime PNT technology, in order to inform research and design for quantum systems. Emphasis was placed on the involvement of potential end-users early in the development cycle to inform design choices.

There is an acknowledged and urgent need to develop more resilient PNT solutions for the maritime domain. There is an underlying similarity in needs between the military and civil domains, suggesting that there may be some commonality in technology solutions.

The report from the workshop looks at key messages and recommendations and also contains detailed notes.  A PDF copy can be accessed here.

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