ROKUBUN SL

Their core work

Rokubun is a Barcelona-based SME specializing in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning technology, developing precise and affordable location solutions for diverse applications. They build satellite-based positioning services that improve accuracy for drones, mass-market consumer devices, and railway systems. Their core value lies in making high-precision GNSS accessible — from low-cost differential positioning for UAVs to train localisation for next-generation railway signalling.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Rokubun began in 2015 with low-cost GNSS for drones (PUMPED), then moved into mass-market Galileo positioning accuracy (FLAMINGO, 2017-2020), and most recently expanded into railway train localisation and signalling systems (PERFORMINGRAIL, 2020-2023). The trajectory shows a clear pattern: they started with a niche UAV application, broadened to consumer-grade positioning, and are now applying their GNSS expertise to safety-critical transport infrastructure. Each step has moved them toward higher-stakes, more regulated domains where positioning integrity is essential.

Rokubun is moving from consumer and drone GNSS toward safety-critical transport applications where positioning reliability and integrity monitoring (RAIM) are mandatory requirements.

How they like to work

Rokubun started as a coordinator on a small SME instrument project (PUMPED), then joined larger consortia as a specialist participant in FLAMINGO and PERFORMINGRAIL. With 15 unique partners across 9 countries from just 3 projects, they work in broad European consortia rather than tight bilateral partnerships. Their pattern suggests they contribute focused GNSS expertise to larger teams rather than leading large-scale efforts.

Rokubun has collaborated with 15 distinct partners across 9 countries in only 3 projects, indicating they integrate into diverse, multi-national consortia. Their network spans the European space and transport research ecosystem.

What sets them apart

Rokubun bridges the gap between space-based positioning technology and real-world transport applications — a combination few SMEs cover. Their progression from affordable drone GNSS to railway integrity monitoring shows they can adapt precise positioning solutions to different industry verticals. For consortium builders, they offer a compact, agile team with hands-on GNSS engineering that can serve both the space and transport pillars of EU research.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PUMPED
  Their first project and only coordination role — a lean SME Instrument feasibility study on making differential GNSS affordable for drones.
• PERFORMINGRAIL
  Represents their strategic pivot into safety-critical railway signalling, applying GNSS localisation and RAIM to moving-block train control systems.