Calian joins robotics player to develop Arctic defences

Executive Summary

• Calian Group Ltd. and Tessellate Robotics have entered a collaboration under Calian Ventures to integrate, test, and scale next-generation autonomous navigation technologies for defence operations, specifically targeting complex environments like Canada's Arctic.
• The partnership combines Calian’s precision GNSS antennas, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies with Tessellate’s advanced navigation and inspection systems to create a hybrid, defence-ready autonomous capability designed for GPS-denied or degraded environments.
• The companies are conducting immediate joint validation and field testing, with the first operational deployment scheduled for March during Operation Nanook in the Arctic.

Key Details

• Parties Involved: Calian Group Ltd. (via Calian Ventures) and Tessellate Robotics (Quebec-based leader in rugged autonomous navigation systems).
• Technology Integration:
  • Calian provides: Precision GNSS antennas, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies, and robotic software.
  • Tessellate provides: Advanced navigation and inspection technologies, specifically high-performance GPS-denied navigation.
• Strategic Objective: To create a hybrid, defence-ready autonomous capability that operates where traditional satellite-based navigation systems are degraded, unreliable, or denied.
• Validation & Deployment:
  • Joint validation efforts are accelerating Tessellate's growth and speed to market.
  • First operational deployment of the integrated system is scheduled for March during Operation Nanook in the Arctic.
• Operational Environment: The Arctic serves as the primary testbed due to low satellite geometry, harsh terrain, and extreme weather, providing a demanding environment for resilient navigation technologies.
• Key Benefits/Capabilities Delivered:
  • Assured Navigation: Reliable autonomous operation when satellite signals are disrupted, jammed, or unavailable.
  • Arctic-Ready Performance: Systems validated for harsh, low-visibility, and winter conditions unique to Canada's North.
  • C5ISRT-Aligned Integration: Designed to integrate with modern command, control, and digital defence architectures.
  • Dual-Use Flexibility: Technology applicable across defence, energy, mining, and critical infrastructure sectors.
• Strategic Context: The collaboration supports Canada's Northern sovereignty, NORAD modernization, and the recently released Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), addressing the strategic imperative for assured PNT capabilities in contested environments.

Notable Quotes

• Dominic Baril, CEO, Tessellate Robotics: "Canada's North presents some of the most demanding navigation challenges in the world and operating in Arctic conditions requires more than autonomy alone... By working with the right partners, like Calian and leveraging Ventures, we can combine deep technical expertise and complementary capabilities to rigorously test, validate and ultimately deliver cutting-edge autonomous navigation systems for terrestrial and aerial platforms -- supporting Canada and NATO's defence priorities and interoperability."
• Chris Pogue, President, Defence & Space, Calian Group: "As Canada strengthens its Arctic presence and advances Norad modernization, assured navigation in GPS-denied environments is becoming a strategic requirement... Through Calian Ventures, we are partnering with high-potential Canadian innovators like Tessellate to accelerate the development of sovereign, deployable capability. Together, we are delivering autonomous systems that operate reliably in the North today and evolve to meet tomorrow's defence demands."