Former U.S. Transportation Leader Joins Tern to Develop Satellite-Free AI Navigation

Tern, an innovator in navigation technology, has made notable headlines with the recent appointment of Diana Furchtgott-Roth to its Advisory Board. Furchtgott-Roth, a nationally recognized transportation economist and former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), brings extensive experience in addressing the vulnerabilities of satellite-based positioning systems. This partnership comes at a pivotal time as the world grows increasingly aware of the reliance on GPS technology, amid rising risks related to geopolitical tensions and satellite vulnerabilities.

The Significance of Alternative Navigation Solutions

Furchtgott-Roth has long advocated for the necessity of resilient navigational systems that do not depend solely on satellites. Given the increasing threats of GPS outages and spoofing, the need for an unequivocal and reliable backup has never been clearer. Her work at the DOT included leading national assessments of various Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies to proactively address these emerging challenges.

In her recent commentary published in The Daily Telegraph, she emphasized that potential disruptions in GPS could lead to economic and national security crises, costing nations trillions of dollars. This alarming perspective supports the urgency of developing alternative systems that can withstand the rising tide of geopolitical pressures, especially with current U.S.-China relations being at an all-time low. The necessity for a technology that can function reliably without relying on satellites extends beyond resilience; it is a matter of safeguarding national interests in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The Innovative IDPS™ Technology

Tern’s flagship product, the Independently Derived Positioning System (IDPS™), represents a groundbreaking step into the future of navigation. Utilizing advanced AI coupled with real-time mapping and sensor data, IDPS™ can offer precise vehicle positioning without GPS, GNSS, or cellular signals. Recently, Tern successfully completed tests in collaboration with the Volpe Research Center under a U.S. Department of Transportation initiative, which showcased their ability to initialize position without any prior knowledge or external assistance—a significant milestone that had previously been considered unattainable.

Inspired by a vision of creating a fundamentally robust navigation framework, Tern's approach aims to reshape how we think about and utilize navigation technology. As Tern CEO and Co-Founder Shaun Moore expressed, “Rather than patching legacy systems, we're building a new foundation for navigation that's intelligent, resilient, and ready to scale.” Such visionary goals signify not just a competitive advantage in the technology landscape, but a necessary adaptation in the face of evolving global threats.

Looking Ahead: Expanding IDPS Across Sectors

The implications of this technology stretch beyond commercial automotive applications. Tern aims to penetrate various sectors, including fleet management, defense, and even broader infrastructure applications. Furchtgott-Roth’s alignment with Tern symbolizes a union of vision and expertise at a critical juncture in transportation and navigation technology.

As the world grapples with the fragility of satellite dependencies, Tern is strategically positioned to lead the charge into a new era. The urgency for an alternative solution is palpable, and with leaders like Furchtgott-Roth onboard, Tern not only reinforces its credibility but also strengthens its mission to provide reliable navigation systems.

This partnership indicates a significant commitment from Tern to ensure uninterrupted navigation capabilities even in GPS-denied environments, further establishing the urgency within governments to prioritize collaborative efforts toward developing reliable alternatives.

In conclusion, as the world watches geopolitical developments, Tern’s advancements in AI-powered navigation technology under the guidance of seasoned professionals like Diana Furchtgott-Roth opens a promising pathway to sustainable, secure transportation solutions that prioritize safety and resilience above all.