#United States #Austin #U.S. Army #Tern #IDPS™

TERN's Groundbreaking AI-Powered Navigation System

TERN, a trailblazing company based in Austin, Texas, has recently made headlines by winning the prestigious U.S. Army's xTechOverwatch competition. This honor was achieved amidst fierce competition, with TERN being selected from a pool of over 600 companies due to its innovative approach to positioning technology. At the heart of this technological achievement lies TERN's Independently Derived Positioning System (IDPS™), a pioneering solution designed to redefine how navigation is conducted without the reliance on satellite systems.

The Need for Satellite-Free Navigation

In today's military operations, the increasing reliance on Global Positioning System (GPS) technology poses significant risks, especially in contested environments. The U.S. Army is facing growing threats from electronic warfare capabilities employed by global adversaries such as Russia and China, which often disrupt GPS signals. As a response, the Army emphasized the critical need for alternative navigation systems that ensure operational efficiency even when traditional GPS is compromised.

Recognizing this urgent requirement, the Army introduced the xTechOverwatch competition, which provided soldiers with hands-on experience testing various emerging technologies in real-world scenarios. This initiative allowed TERN to showcase its IDPS™ technology directly to military personnel, leading to its selection as the program's winner.

The Technology Behind IDPS™

TERN's IDPS™ represents a groundbreaking advancement in navigation technology. Unlike typical systems that depend heavily on satellites, IDPS™ utilizes onboard sensors and digital map data to derive accurate positioning information. This enables military vehicles to maintain precise navigation capabilities even when GPS signals are jammed or spoofed.

This revolutionary system was crafted by experts in the field, particularly former special operations personnel who understand the challenges of navigating in hostile terrains without GPS support. The integration of artificial intelligence also plays a crucial role in enhancing the system's real-time recognition and accuracy, making IDPS™ a robust tool for military applications.

Potential Applications and Future Developments

Following its recognition in the xTechOverwatch competition, TERN is set to collaborate with Army Transformation units. These active-duty soldiers will continue validating the IDPS™ in operational settings throughout 2026. This partnership not only signifies the Army's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into their operations but also highlights the growing relevance of satellite-free positioning solutions.

The implications of TERN's success extend beyond military applications; the technology has vast potential across many sectors that require reliable navigation solutions. From logistics and automotive to autonomous systems in urban environments, IDPS™ can be adapted to various commercial scenarios, further reinforcing TERN's position as a leader in innovative navigation technologies.

A Year of Momentum for TERN

The victory in xTechOverwatch caps off a remarkable year for TERN. The company recently secured an additional $7.5 million in seed funding to accelerate its groundbreaking vision for navigation technology. Furthermore, TERN was recognized as one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2025, partnered with notable tech firms, and received honors at the CES Innovation Awards.

In his remarks, Shaun Moore, Co-Founder and CEO of TERN, reflected on the critical trajectory that the company is following: "We’re now seeing defense and commercial initiatives converge around one urgent need: persistent localization and navigation that can never go dark. IDPS™ is proving that software, not satellites, will define the future of assured movement."

Conclusion

As TERN moves forward into 2026, it stands at the forefront of a transformative shift in the landscape of positioning technology. The company's ability to provide innovations that support military and commercial operations alike positions it as a key player in the global shift toward resilient, satellite-independent navigation. With the backing of federal agencies and a growing roster of partnerships, TERN is poised to redefine how we perceive navigation in an increasingly complex world.

Discover more about TERN's IDPS™ technology and its potential by requesting a demonstration through their official channels.