Swift Navigation, a California-based provider of precise positioning technology, is working with GPS tracker firm Lightbug to enhance worker safety and asset tracking in critical industries.

The collaboration brings together Swift’s cloud-based Skylark precise positioning service with UK firm Lightbug’s rugged, mass deployed tracking devices, enabling centimetre-level accuracy even in difficult environments.

For industries such as rail, logistics and infrastructure, the ability to pinpoint a person or a high-value asset with precision is more than a convenience, it’s a critical safety requirement. Traditional GPS technology struggles in complex environments such as rail corridors, urban canyons or dense construction sites, where satellite signals can be obstructed or unreliable. This lack of accuracy puts workers at risk and makes it difficult to track and manage valuable assets.

The partnership directly addresses these problems. Lightbug’s RTK Handheld 2 (RH2) and RTK Vehicle Tracker are compatible with Swift Navigation’s Skylark service, which provides real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections. This combination delivers reliable, high-integrity positioning for critical applications.

“At Swift Navigation, we believe that safety starts with certainty,” said Daniel Optendrenk, vice president at Swift Navigation. “Our partnership with Lightbug is a game-changer because it takes our high-precision positioning technology and puts it directly into the hands of those who need it most. This collaboration isn’t just about technical specifications, it’s about ensuring every worker is safe and every asset is accounted for, giving our customers confidence and peace of mind.”

The joint offering supports essential safety use cases, including lone worker protection with automated geofencing and real-time alerts, as well as high-value asset tracking in remote or obstructed locations. For the rail industry, it meets strict safety compliance standards, including the 300mm or better accuracy requirement of Network Rail (www.networkrail.co.uk), the owner and operator of Britain’s national railway infrastructure and a Lightbug customer. Lightbug’s technology has also been used by the PGA Tour (www.pgatour.com) golf tournaments to power immersive fan experiences with shot-by-shot precision.

“Our devices are built to perform in the toughest conditions,” said Chris Guest, CEO of Lightbug. “Integrating Swift’s Skylark allows us to deliver on our promise of reliable, high-performance tracking with unprecedented accuracy. The Lightbug RTK Handheld 2, for example, can achieve real-world performance of up to 1cm accuracy in open sky and sub-30cm accuracy in partially obstructed conditions. This partnership helps us solve the real-world problems our customers face every day.”

The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to operational safety and automation, making the benefits of precise GNSS accessible to industries previously underserved by traditional positioning. Those purchasing the Lightbug RTK Handheld 2 (lightbug.io/product/rtk-high-accuracy/lb-dev-rh2) will also receive a six-month free trial of the Skylark precise positioning service (www.swiftnav.com/skylark), providing immediate access to centimetre-level accuracy.

Swift Navigation (www.swiftnav.com) is a technology company pioneering reliable, affordable high-accuracy satellite positioning to unlock autonomy and automation at scale.

Lightbug (lightbug.io) is a UK technology company specialising in designing and manufacturing GPS trackers and IoT devices that deliver reliable, long-lasting performance in tough environments. With over 20 years of GPS tracking history, Lightbug has grown from developing devices for law enforcement and industrial security to deploying a diverse portfolio across more than 60 countries.