Technology

SandboxAQ Publishes Scientific and Technical Milestones for Magnetic Anomaly-Based Navigation

Published

1 year ago

January 3, 2025

– Advancing the state of the art in magnetic navigation theory across the stack
– Presented paper on Magnetic Navigation Performance at DASC
– Presented paper on AI for Generalizability at ION JNC
– Presented paper on Magnetospheric-Ionospheric Signal Interference at American Geophysical Union

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SandboxAQ today announced a series of scientific and technical milestone publications on magnetic anomaly-based navigation (MagNav), collectively marking a set of significant advances in the company’s core research and product development activities for its AQNav offering. Building on its breakthrough results with the U.S. Air Force (USAF), including the successful use of AQNav for real-time navigation in GPS-denied environments and the award of a TACFI contract extension to develop new configurations for a wider range of USAF aircraft, these publications provide a synthesis of SandboxAQ’s expertise. Together, they represent critical contributions to the commercial aeronautical, defense, and academic research communities over the past three years.

SandboxAQ and its MagNav partners, including the USAF, Acubed (a subsidiary of Airbus) and Boeing, have been at the forefront of scientific and engineering advancements required to commercialize the underlying quantum sensing and AI technologies that enable accurate, real-time navigation without reliance on Global Positioning Systems (GPS). These include:

More than 200 flight hours and more than 40 sorties across multiple regions on four different aircraft types, ranging in size from single-engine planes to large military transport aircraft.Successful flight tests in two USAF exercises – Exercise Golden Phoenix and Exercise Mobility Guardian in 2023Additional USAF flight tests in 2024 utilizing AQNav to demonstrate its generalizability and scalability across large aircraft fleetsSuccessful commercial flight tests on Airbus and Boeing aircraft

“Global Navigation Satellite Systems are increasingly vulnerable to denial, jamming and spoofing, creating critical challenges for accurate civilian, commercial and military navigation and positioning. The growing global scourge of GPS interference – particularly in contested geographies – underscores the critical need for accurate, alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing systems that can integrate with existing navigational systems yet operate independently of GNSS,” said SandboxAQ advisor Admiral John M. Richardson. “SandboxAQ’s AQNav takes a system-of-systems approach to secure, real-time positioning and navigation. Leveraging advanced Large Quantitative Models, powerful magnetometers, and Earth’s crustal magnetic field, AQNav delivers robust, redundant and reliable navigation capabilities – day or night, in all weather conditions, across a broad range of aircraft.”

“Our team has been setting the pace in advancing magnetic anomaly-based navigation, from establishing statistical rigor around performance and map quality to shaping requirements for magnetic maps,” said Luca Ferrara, SandboxAQ’s General Manager of Navigation. “We’ve also pioneered AI-driven techniques using Liquid Neural Networks for signal processing and space weather compensation, and demonstrated the generalizability of our models across aircraft types in operational settings with the USAF. These achievements highlight the strength of our AQNav engineering team and push the boundaries of what’s possible in magnetic navigation.”

Magnetic Navigation: Using state estimation theory and geophysical science to define magnetic navigation performance boundaries

SandboxAQ has made significant contributions to the scientific understanding and practical application of magnetic navigation technology through a series of recent publications. The July 2024 keynote address from Regupathi Angappan at the Breakthrough Discuss 2024 conference (“Understanding & Navigating The Magnetic World with AQ“) provided a broad overview of the technology and its potential benefits. This was followed by two research papers presented at prestigious conferences.

The paper by Aditya Gupta et al. (“Lower Bounds on Magnetic Navigation Performance as a Function of Magnetic Anomaly Map Quality“), presented at the October 2024 Digital Avionics Systems Conference, established a theoretical framework for assessing the impact of magnetic map quality on navigation performance. This work, which received a Best in Session Award, offers valuable insights for developing and optimizing magnetic navigation systems.

Additionally, the research by Jackson Bell et al. (“Determining Geophysical Map Requirements for Magnetic Navigation using Cramér Rao Lower Bound Analysis“), presented at the December 2024 American Geophysical Union conference, explored the specific requirements for geophysical maps needed for accurate magnetic navigation. This work helps define the data collection and processing strategies necessary for successful implementation of the technology.

Overall, these publications demonstrate SandboxAQ’s commitment to advancing the field of magnetic navigation and contributing to a robust scientific foundation for this innovative technology.

AI for Signal Processing: Incorporating various noise sources to design generalizing, physics-informed signal processing approaches specialized for magnetic navigation.

SandboxAQ research has focused on developing robust and reliable navigation systems that can operate in challenging environments, such as those with significant magnetic or intentional GPS interference.

One significant contribution is the development of platform-agnostic denoising models for MagNav systems, as detailed in a paper presented at the June 2024 ION Joint Navigation Conference by Kimberly Moore et al. (“Multi-Aircraft Generalizability of Platform Denoising Models for Magnetic Navigation“). These models leverage advanced machine learning techniques to effectively remove noise and interference from magnetic sensor data, enabling accurate and precise navigation.

Additionally, SandboxAQ pioneered the use of physics-informed machine learning techniques to calibrate aeromagnetic compensation, as described in a NeurIPS 2023 Workshops paper by Favour Nerrise et al. (“Physics-Informed Calibration of Aeromagnetic Compensation in Magnetic Navigation Systems using Liquid Time-Constant Networks“). By incorporating physical principles into the learning process, SandboxAQ has achieved more accurate and reliable calibration, leading to improved navigation performance.

Our most recent research, presented at the December 2024 American Geophysical Union AGU24 meeting, explores the use of AI to mitigate the impact of magnetospheric-ionospheric signals on magnetic navigation (Regupathi Angappan et al.). By leveraging the power of AI, SandboxAQ has developed innovative techniques to identify and correct for these disturbances, ensuring robust and reliable navigation even in the presence of extreme magnetic conditions. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize a wide range of applications, from autonomous vehicles to underwater exploration.

For more information about SandboxAQ’s AQNav system, please visit https://www.sandboxaq.com/solutions/aqnav

About SandboxAQ
‍SandboxAQ is a B2B company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world’s greatest challenges. The company’s Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) deliver critical advances in life science, chemical and material science, financial services, navigation, cyber and other sectors. The company emerged from Alphabet Inc. as an independent, growth-backed company in 2022, funded by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Eric Schmidt, Breyer Capital, Guggenheim Partners, Marc Benioff, Thomas Tull, Section32, and others. For more information, visit http://www.sandboxaq.com.

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SOURCE SandboxAQ

Technology

SiriusXM Media Becomes Exclusive Audio Advertising Representative for YouTube in the United States

Published

21 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

YouTube, Home of The World’s Number One Podcast Platform and a Leading Music Service, Chooses Audio Ad Powerhouse SiriusXM Media as Its Exclusive Audio Sales Representative in the U.S.

New Deal Cements SiriusXM’s Leadership In Powering The Largest Ad-Supported Audio Ecosystem And Gives Brands Exclusive Access To YouTube’s Audio-First Inventory

NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SiriusXM (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced a new audio advertising partnership with Google that connects YouTube to one of the largest audio advertising platforms in North America. The agreement makes SiriusXM Media, the advertising group representing SiriusXM, Pandora, and expansive Streaming and Podcast Networks, the exclusive advertising representative of YouTube audio advertising inventory in the U.S. This will provide advertisers access to guaranteed impressions at scale for the first time, backed by similar sophisticated targeting and measurement as YouTube’s ecosystem.

“Audio is one of the most powerful mediums for listeners, creators, and advertisers alike, and at SiriusXM Media, we’re proud to be at the forefront helping brands harness that impact at scale,” said Scott Walker, SiriusXM’s Chief Advertising Revenue Officer. “By partnering with YouTube, a true leader in ad-supported content consumption, we’re uniting our unique skillset with their audience, creating an unparalleled opportunity for marketers and creators to grow their businesses.”

“YouTube has become a primary destination for audio-first content, where fans engage with their favorite podcasts, music, and creators,” said Romana Pawar, Senior Director of Product, YouTube Ads. “By partnering with SiriusXM Media, we are making it easier than ever for advertisers to tap into these high-attention moments.”

YouTube audio ads reach listeners wherever they are across audio-first content and behaviors: immersed in podcasts, talk shows, and music. By meeting users in environments primed for listening and engagement, such as when YouTube content is playing on smart speakers, brands can tap into high-intent listening experiences across YouTube’s vast creator ecosystem. According to a study from SiriusXM Media and Edison Research, there are more than 212 million monthly listeners in the U.S.1 engaging in audio-first content or environments on YouTube.

Starting this fall, advertisers will be able to buy guaranteed audio ad impressions against YouTube’s high-value audiences at scale for the first time directly through SiriusXM Media—paired with an audio-first activation approach to extend reach and impact. Brands can now reach YouTube’s expansive, next-generation and highly engaged audience in the same place where they buy SiriusXM Media’s leading portfolio of ad-supported audio inventory, ensuring a seamless buying experience powered by AdsWizz Inc.’s ad tech platform. As audio continues to reach consumers as a constant companion throughout the day, from commuting to working hours, this deal gives brands an opportunity to reach a valuable audience that is further leaning into audio-first behaviors and content on YouTube in high-attention moments.

Powered by AdsWizz, SiriusXM Media now offers access to 255 million monthly listeners2—reaching nearly 90% of the U.S. population 13+—delivering expansive scale and incremental reach, best-in-class measurement and targeting capabilities, and premium brand-safe environments across every major audio touchpoint. The landmark partnership with YouTube highlights SiriusXM’s commitment to an open, partner-first audio advertising ecosystem, continuing to connect advertisers to premium audio content wherever audiences choose to listen.

For more information, please visit https://www.siriusxmmedia.com/advertise-on-youtube-audio.

About Sirius XM Holdings Inc.
SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America with a portfolio of audio businesses including its flagship subscription entertainment service SiriusXM; the ad-supported and premium music streaming services of Pandora; an expansive podcast network; and a suite of business and advertising solutions. SiriusXM offers a broad range of content for listeners everywhere they tune in with a diverse mix of live, on-demand, and curated programming across music, talk, news, and sports. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.

Media Contacts:
Victoria Chow, victoria.chow@siriusxm.com
Erica Walsh, ericawalsh@google.com

1 Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2026 + SiriusXM Media
2 Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2026 + SiriusXM Media

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SOURCE Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

Technology

ServiceForge plants two million trees worldwide

Published

21 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

The company celebrates a meaningful milestone in its ongoing initiative to make a lasting impact within global communities

PORTLAND, Ore., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ServiceForge, the 24/7 live answering and customer service platform built for skilled trades and home service businesses, announces a significant achievement in its ongoing sustainability drive: the company has now planted more than two million trees worldwide, a milestone reached in time for Earth Day 2026.

Each month, ServiceForge plants one tree for every employee and every customer. What began as a simple commitment to give back has grown into a meaningful, long-term impact effort, now surpassing a major milestone. This accomplishment reflects the company’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship and community-focused values.

For context, two million trees adds up to:

Approximately 4,000 acres of forestRoughly 3,000 football fieldsTrees sufficient to remove an estimated 44,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year (equivalent of taking 9,500 cars off the road)

“This milestone reflects the kind of work we believe in: steady, intentional and rooted in real impact,” said Jane Blanchard, head of brand and marketing for ServiceForge. “In the skilled trades, success isn’t about quick wins; it’s about the slow, human work of strengthening homes, businesses and communities. Planting trees is a natural extension of that mission. It’s a way for us to contribute to something lasting, something that grows alongside the businesses we serve.”

ServiceForge partners with verified reforestation organizations that plant trees in areas affected by deforestation, wildfires and climate change. Partners include Trees for the Future, Save the Redwoods League and Friends of Pando, ensuring that each tree contributes to restoration efforts where it’s needed most.

“We’re in the business of fixing things,” Blanchard said. “What better way to exemplify that commitment than by planting trees, which clean the air, restore habitats and ultimately make the world a better place.”

For more information about ServiceForge and their Giving Back initiative, visit https://www.serviceforge.com/why-serviceforge/givingback

About ServiceForge
ServiceForge helps home service businesses get found, get booked and get paid with 24/7 human answering, scheduling, lead qualification and payments. By combining smart technology with real human connection, ServiceForge helps service businesses stand out in an increasingly disconnected world, ensuring contractors capture more jobs while delivering exceptional customer service. For more information, visit serviceforge.com.

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SOURCE ServiceForge

Technology

Contractor Commerce launches AI-powered conversational buying experience

Published

21 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

New technology ushers in new era of e-commerce for home service contracting companies

LEBANON, Ohio , April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Contractor Commerce, a leading e-commerce and sales enablement platform built specifically for home service contractors, announces the next evolution in its platform: a conversational buying experience that’s powered by AI and designed to improve the way homeowners shop for residential services online.

By empowering home service professionals to establish their own virtual storefronts, Contractor Commerce has long championed a modern buying experience, fully aligned with the way consumers seek information on the web, including through guided buying journeys and seamless purchasing flows. With conversational buying, Contractor Commerce embeds AI directly into the shopping experience, allowing the end consumer to enjoy a more natural, personalized and responsive process.

“This shift from guided to conversational shopping builds on everything we’ve done up to this point,” said Paul Redman, president of Contractor Commerce. “Our goal has always been to help contractors meet homeowners where they are. This advanced and intuitive approach will further that goal, and cement Contractor Commerce as a category leader.”

Contractor Commerce’s expanded capabilities are designed to reflect how homeowners buy today: researching options, comparing pricing and making decisions in a time and place that’s most convenient to them. Features include:

An image upload option, allowing homeowners to submit photos of their home systems to receive specific, real-time recommendations.Robust pricing tools, including quote comparisons and full rebate integration, enabling homeowners to fully assess their options and understand the fine print.An AI agent-guided buying journey, providing homeowners with personalized assistance even when they are not fully sure what types of services they need.

“Our conversational buying platform is made for contractors, not retailers,” Redman said. “The goal is to help businesses establish trust, improve their lead qualification process and capture after-hours demand, all while providing customers with a frictionless shopping experience.”

For more information about Contractor Commerce, visit ContractorCommerce.com.

About Contractor Commerce

Contractor Commerce is the pioneer and industry leader in providing e-commerce services for contractors, offering plug-and-play online stores for home service companies so they can grow their sales and serve customers with convenience and transparent pricing. To learn more about Contractor Commerce and its innovative solutions, visit ContractorCommerce.com.

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SOURCE Contractor Commerce