Hexagon acquires Inertial Sense

Hexagon has finalized the acquisition of Inertial Sense for $5 million, enhancing its capabilities in the navigation solutions sector. This acquisition expands Hexagon’s suite of assured positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) products. Inertial Sense, a Utah-based company, specializes in GNSS+INS (Global Navigation Satellite System combined with Inertial Navigation System) technology and brings with it over 30,000 deployed inertial systems.

Inertial Sense will be integrated into Hexagon’s Aerospace & Defence Division. This move seeks to bolster Hexagon’s offerings in GPS-challenged environments, aligning with its strategic focus on delivering resilient navigation technologies. Stig Pedersen, President of Hexagon’s Aerospace & Defence Division, highlighted that the acquisition significantly enhances their assured PNT strategy by advancing GNSS+INS innovation.

The acquisition places Hexagon in a stronger strategic position within the autonomy, aerospace, and defense markets. By absorbing Inertial Sense’s technology, Hexagon aims to offer more comprehensive solutions that are particularly significant in environments where GPS signals are unreliable or unavailable. According to Walt Johnson, CTO and founder of Inertial Sense, joining Hexagon provides an opportunity to broaden access to their lightweight navigation solutions and leverage Hexagon’s platform for development and market reach.

In a competitive landscape where navigation and timing systems are essential for both commercial and defense applications, this acquisition marks a tactical augmentation of Hexagon’s technological arsenal. As companies within the sector vie for dominance, the integration of GNSS+INS technologies is crucial for future-proofing navigation systems against emerging threats and disruptions.

Looking forward, the completion of regulatory approvals—if required—and the seamless integration of Inertial Sense into Hexagon’s operations will be pivotal. The market will be watching how effectively Hexagon capitalizes on this acquisition to influence its standing vis-à-vis competitors in the navigation solutions space. The transaction underscores the ongoing trend of consolidations aimed at enhancing technical capabilities in critical areas of navigation and timing.