Drones, robots, cameras – they all have this Swiss chip
19.8.2025
Translation: Julia Graham
Lawnmower robots, drones, action cams and animal trackers: all of these products contain a GPS chip from u-blox in Thalwil (Zurich). However, hardly anyone outside the industry knows about this Swiss market leader.
Drones come from China, robotic lawnmowers from Sweden and action cams from the US – in Switzerland, we’re used to gadgets coming from abroad. And yet, thousands of products also contain a piece of Swissness: namely a chip from u-blox, as I learn during a visit to the company’s headquarters in Thalwil on Lake Zurich.
Arnaud Le Lannic, Director of Product Management, doesn’t entirely reveal who the Swiss company’s customers are. But thanks to websites specialising in teardowns, I find a few examples. These specialists take gadgets apart and describe all components in detail. For instance, the DJI Mavic 3 and DJI Mini 3 have an integrated module from u-blox. To give you an idea, you can take a look at the analysis of all components of the Mavic drone [here] (https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/DJI+Mavic+3+Pro+Chip+ID/161708). The GoPro Hero 13 action cam and Ricoh Theta X 360-degree camera are also equipped with Swiss technology.
The collaboration with Husqvarna is public. This Swedish manufacturer relies on the Swiss supplier for its robotic lawnmowers.
Robot lawnmowers
In our showroom
CHF1709.–
Husqvarna 405XE NERA
600 m², Without boundary wire, Boundary wire
So the gadget knows where it is
But what exactly does u-blox do? The manufacturer with around 800 employees builds what’s commonly known as a GPS module. These are chips that can determine exact positions with the help of satellites.
Source: u-blox
However, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is only one of the satellite systems used, namely the one from the US. The modules also access all kinds of systems from Europe, Asia and all over the world. That’s why GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is actually the correct term.
Most GNSS chips from u-blox are the size of a postage stamp or a thumbnail, depending on the model. «The small module measures just 2.4 by 2.4 mm,» says Arnaud Le Lannic. And even if it’s only a small component in a drone or a robotic lawnmower, it can be of crucial importance for the success of a product. If a drone loses its orientation, it’ll crash. If a robot doesn’t know exactly where it is, it’ll mow down roses or not be able to find its way to the base station.
An accuracy of ten centimetres is easily possible in the current generation. The top model from u-blox even achieves an accuracy of less than 1 cm. «The next generation should then achieve 0.6 cm. It’s already been announced and will go into production this year,» explains Arnaud Le Lannic.
Source: u-blox
Manufactured in Europe
But why is a Swiss company so successful in this field, and, according to its own statement, the market leader today? «The quality and durability of our products are highly valued,» says the Director of Product Management.
u-blox was founded in 1997 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich and was one of the pioneers of GNSS modules. Today, there are around five to ten suppliers in this field, compared to 3,000 to 5,000 companies that install these chips in their devices. According to Arnaud, the price differences for the modules aren’t great. Competition is based on features and quality.
Source: u-blox
Perhaps this is precisely why the Swiss company can hold its own. However, u-blox is incredibly international. The large research and development department is located in Thalwil and at a second site in Finland. The chip is manufactured in Germany and partially tested in Asia before modules are then assembled at sites in Europe.
«Development is continuing at a rapid pace,» continues Arnaud Le Lannic. More and more products such as autonomous cars, robots and automated manufacturing processes require precise localisation or at least synchronisation of time and place. That’s why u-blox offers GNSS chips as well as modules for short-range connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter and Thread. The company also develops software and services for its own products. «The best mix of software, artificial intelligence and hardware is crucial,» Le Lannic points out at the end of my visit.
Header image: U-Blox
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
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