Leica Geosystems and Locata Extend Technology Partnership

June 14, 2012

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Leica Geosystems Mining and Locata Corporation will continue their exclusive technology partnership in the mine machine automation and mine fleet management markets until at least June 2014. The extension guarantees the ongoing, commercial provision to the global mining industry of the Leica Jigsaw Positioning System (Jps), powered by Locata technology.

The technology partnership recently resulted in the first successful operational deployment of the Leica Jps network. The technology at the core of the Leica Jps is a combination of the “Local Constellation” (pioneered by Locata Corporation and adopted by the U.S. Air Force), and Leica Geosystems’ technology portfolio.

According to the companies, the co-developed Leica Jps network is the only high precision (HP) solution in the world that augments standard RTK GPS/GLONASS signals with Locata signals, designed to prevent positioning signal loss or machine down-time even against high walls or in the deepest open pit mines.

“In being available to augment any GPS/GNSS network on any site, we are truly providing a new capability for mining applications, enabling them to operate with unprecedented signal up time and benefit from the huge associated financial return,” said Haydn Roberts, CEO, Leica Geosystems Mining. And we know it works — we have the data.”

“Through Jps we offer autonomy from sole reliance on satellite-based positioning networks. In accordance with Leica Geosystems Mining strategy, our technology for machine automation and now HP RTK positioning is completely OEM independent. No longer will machines stop work while waiting for the elusive satellite signal to reconnect. The Jps will seamlessly augment the signals, no matter on what machine, on what system, in what fleet.”

Nunzio Gambale, CEO and co-founder of Locata Corporation, said, “This Leica Geosystems-Locata relationship has blossomed over what is now many years of cooperation, and it is one which we value highly.” said Mr Gambale. “The Locata team is proud to be partnering with such a respected and incredibly innovative company.”

The success of the combined technologies and continued relationship between both parties ensures the Leica Jigsaw Positioning System will be commercially available to the mining industry globally from August this year.