ABzero Srl, an Italian company at the forefront of intelligent healthcare logistics using drones, is among the key partners of SOPRANO (Secure and Precise Positioning for Autonomous Navigation), a project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the NAVISP Element 1 program. The initiative aims to develop a robust and high-precision Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) system that integrates multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS with 5G connectivity to enable safe and reliable operation in critical environments.
SOPRANO addresses the need for resilient positioning solutions in urban or complex areas where satellite signals are often degraded, obstructed, or spoofed. The hybrid GNSS/5G architecture under development is designed to support a new generation of autonomous systems.
SOPRANO project consortium
The project brings together a multidisciplinary European consortium with expertise in navigation, telecommunications, autonomy, and regulation:
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Thales Alenia Space France – project coordinator and a European leader in space infrastructure.
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Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC) – Italy, a centre of excellence in civil aviation and U-space integration.
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Fondazione LINKS – Italy, specialized in advanced positioning technologies, digital innovation, and system interoperability.
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ABzero Srl – Italy, pioneer in automated healthcare transport using smart capsules and autonomous drones.
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LEAT – Université Côte d’Azur – France, focused on secure communication, sensor fusion, and cyber-physical systems.
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Helios Technology (Egis Group) – United Kingdom, expert in regulatory frameworks, safety, and airspace integration.
ABzero’s role in SOPRANO
ABzero contributes real-world experience from emergency healthcare logistics, where positioning accuracy and traceability are mission-critical. Through SOPRANO, ABzero will enhance the performance and safety of its autonomous drone operations, ensuring precise delivery of medical supplies such as blood, organs, and pharmaceuticals—even in challenging environments.
Towards a resilient and sovereign European autonomous mobility ecosystem
SOPRANO represents a key technological step toward enabling next-generation autonomous mobility through a hybrid, reliable PNT infrastructure. The project is aligned with ESA’s vision to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty in strategic sectors and foster dual-use innovation with impact across civil and critical operations.
For more information, visit: SOPRANO – NAVISP Project #335