WUT researcher develops critically important navigation technologies

The objective of NeuroNavi is to develop a novel inertial navigation support system for rapidly rotating objects such as rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles. The project addresses a growing challenge: the increasing scale of intentional and unintentional disruptions of satellite navigation systems. GNSS systems (e.g. GPS) have become the foundation of many technologies – from civil transport and logistics to defence systems. However, satellite signals are relatively weak and can be easily jammed or spoofed.

In recent years, the number of such incidents has risen sharply – not only in conflict zones, but also near NATO borders and within European airspace. In practice, systems that rely entirely on GNSS can instantly lose their ability to navigate precisely. In critical applications – such as unmanned systems or high-dynamics platforms – this may result in a loss of control.

Another key issue is technological dependency. If a navigation system relies solely on external signals, its operation depends on signal availability. From a national security perspective, this highlights the need for autonomous solutions capable of operating even in environments where GNSS signals are completely unavailable.

“I am developing technology of key importance for national security – a system that allows objects such as rockets or drones to navigate precisely even when satellite navigation systems fail. In practice, this means creating a navigation ‘brain’ capable of independently determining the object’s orientation and motion in space, without relying on satellite signals,” says Dawid Florczak, MSc, project leader. “In public debate, the term ‘kill switch’ sometimes appears – referring to situations in which systems dependent on external signals can effectively be ‘turned off’ by signal loss or jamming. My project addresses precisely this problem: we are developing technology that enables systems to maintain autonomy even in highly disrupted environments.”

Interdisciplinary research

The project combines expertise in flight mechanics, electronics, and AI algorithms to design and test a resilient, independent solution that can be developed in Poland. It contributes to building critical technological infrastructure that enhances national sovereignty and security.

NeuroNavi builds upon earlier research conducted within previous NCBR-funded projects. Under the LIDER XV programme, Dawid Florczak is further developing and integrating previously established concepts towards a full technology demonstrator.

"The key outcome will be a technology demonstrator enabling the determination of navigation data for rotational motion in a manner resistant to current satellite system disruptions (GNSS). I aim to develop a solution that significantly increases the autonomy and safety of unmanned systems and contributes to the development of sovereign national navigation technologies," explains Dawid Florczak. "The proposed solution is based on predictive navigation using algorithms that analyse changes in environmental conditions occurring during an object's motion."

As part of the project, a low-cost measurement system is being developed, incorporating sensors that detect various types of electromagnetic radiation – visible light (VIS), infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV) . This approach will allow navigation data for rotational motion to be determined in a way entirely resistant to GNSS interference, corresponding to TRL 7 and paving the way for future industrial implementation.

Huge Scale and Potential

The project runs until 2027, with a total value of PLN 1,799,937.50. Dawid Florczak is a graduate of Aerospace Engineering – Aircraft at the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering of WUT and is currently pursuing his doctoral studies at the same Faculty. As a doctoral researcher at WUT, he is developing domestic know-how in advanced rocket technologies, drone technologies, and autonomous inertial navigation systems resistant to satellite signal disruptions. His work aligns with strategic needs in national security and technological sovereignty.

The project unfolds in three interrelated phases: first, research focused on designing and constructing a dedicated measurement platform together with its custom-built electronic instrumentation; second, the development and implementation of advanced algorithms capable of estimating navigation data with high precision; and finally, development work centred on validating the technology under real-world field conditions.

As Dawid Florczak explains, the most demanding aspects lie in refining and rigorously validating the algorithms, minimizing measurement errors under very high rotational speeds, conducting extensive field trials, and achieving seamless integration between hardware and software components. Equally challenging is ensuring that the system remains reliable and resilient in dynamically changing environmental conditions.

The concept has concrete commercial and industrial potential. Its architecture is designed for integration with systems developed by Polish industry and serves as an example of combining advanced research, practical engineering, and long-term technological security.

“From the state's perspective, the key aspect is that the solution is being developed in Poland and strengthens technological sovereignty in navigation systems. For industry, this means the possibility of integrating a GNSS-interference-resistant component into existing platforms and developing new generations of autonomous systems with enhanced operational safety," emphasises Dawid Florczak.

The outcomes of the project are inherently dual-use in character, meaning they hold relevance for both defence and civilian applications. While the primary sphere of impact lies within the defence sector—particularly among companies developing missile systems and unmanned platforms—the broader implications extend well beyond a single domain. In the first instance, the technology may prove especially valuable to organisations such as Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and WB Group, which are advancing precision-guided weaponry, unmanned aerial systems, and autonomous solutions. In these contexts, resilience to GNSS interference and the ability to operate reliably in environments where satellite signals are degraded, denied, or unavailable are not merely advantages—they are operational necessities. Potential applications include missile systems requiring precise orientation in the rotational channel, unmanned aerial vehicles functioning in heavily disrupted environments, as well as autonomous land and maritime platforms. The technology may also enhance specialised measurement systems deployed in areas with limited access to satellite navigation. At the same time, its civilian potential is equally compelling. The solution could support next-generation autonomous systems, infrastructure monitoring, unmanned aviation, and even space-sector technologies. In this sense, the project represents not only a contribution to national security, but also a step toward more resilient and self-reliant navigation solutions across a wide spectrum of modern technological applications.