One of the United States’ largest wireless network operators, Verizon, is expanding its location-based technology offering, targeting precise indoor positioning as an important part of the plan.
Verizon announced last week that it has acquired Senion, a firm that develops location-responsive solutions. The move will allow Verizon to combine its 5G new platform with Senion’s technology, bringing responsive and location-precise services to its customers.
“Verizon Location Technology is working to build a more efficient and productive world. This involves giving machines sight and providing enterprise leaders with deeper insights, enabling the orchestration of any space,” Jeff Frantz, Executive Director of Verizon Location Technology, said in a press release. “Sensor fusion and indoor positioning are foundational components for these next-generation capabilities. Combining Senion’s superior technology with the location-accuracy, speed, throughput and reliability of Verizon’s 5G platform will help us push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Senion’s Indoor Positioning System (IPS) is similar to a GPS for indoor environments. It utilizes the internal sensors in smart devices to locate the device’s indoor position and then transforms the location into data signals. The beacons broadcast the signals and then push them to the positioning system. On top of the positioning system, an app allows users to know their exact location.
Senion’s employees will continue their work in partnership with Verizon’s Location Technology team to extend the company’s new automation business.
“Senion was created with the vision that one day our sensor fusion technology would allow for precise positioning for anyone and anything, at anytime,” said Dr. Christian Lundquist, CEO and Co-Founder of Senion. “By leveraging Verizon’s expertise in connectivity and location technology, we can further our work to improve workflows for companies and create seamless, responsive and location-aware services.”
