News Releases

AutoFarm® GPS Steering Named One of Top 20 NASA Spinoff Technologies

Menlo Park, California, June 7, 2007

Ever wonder who came up with those virtual reality gloves? How about a metal twice as strong as titanium but flexible and moldable like plastic? Or, what do you suppose became of an ultra-precise global positioning system used on a satellite probe designed to test unverified predictions of Einstein's theory of relativity?

All of these technologies and many more have become "spinoffs" of the NASA space program that can now be found in many areas of our lives. Over the years these technologies have taken root and flourished in the commercial world - including that ultra-precise GPS positioning technology, which was destined to become the foundation for AutoFarm® GPS steering systems.

AutoFarm parent, Novariant Inc., and its GPS steering systems for farm equipment, was recently selected by Spinoff as one of the Top 20 space program spin-off technologies produced over the past 5 years based on factors such as quality of life, economic benefit, and value back to the NASA space program.

Spinoff is NASA's premier annual publication, featuring successfully commercialized NASA technology. NASA has facilitated transfer of its technology to the private sector for more than 40 years with the resulting commercialization contributing to development of products and services in health and medicine, industrial productivity, computer technology, consumer goods, transportation, public safety, environmental and resources management.

Since 1976, Spinoff has featured the best of these commercial products annually and AutoFarm GPS Automated Steering is on the most recently released Top 20 list.

"Making the Spinoff list is extremely gratifying to all of us here at AutoFarm and Novariant," says Mike O'Connor, one of the founders of AutoFarm. "We are in the company of some fascinating technology and this distinction really validates the need for and the benefits of precision and accuracy in agricultural applications around the globe."

Herb Satterlee, CEO, Novariant Inc. says, "Everything we do at AutoFarm focuses on precision and accuracy. What we do really is 'rocket science' brought down to earth, and this announcement by Spinoff reinforces our leadership position in the precision ag market; as the only company capable of leapfrogging the industry in terms of creating revolutionary products that truly benefit the agricultural industry in terms of productivity and profitability."

Here's what Spinoff said about GPS steering on its latest Top 20 New Technologies List:

Remote-controlled tractors with a margin of error of one centimeter are the result of work done at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory by scientists working to design ultra-precise GPS for use on a satellite probe sent into orbit to test two unverified predictions of Einstein's theory of relativity. These tractor-steering systems, sold by Menlo Park, California-based Novariant Inc., are in use around the world, and their precision and ability to run unmanned for long stretches of time yield increased crops, reduced chemical use, and less wasted water. A Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant through Langley Research Center facilitated the product's development.

About AutoFarm

AutoFarm, a division of Novariant Inc., is the premier solutions provider for precision positioning and intelligent control systems. AutoFarm manufactures and markets Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and precision agriculture solutions for automatic steering and leveling based on its experience in advanced aviation landing systems. AutoFarm can be found on the web at www.gpsfarm.com or reached at +1-650-644-1400.

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Media Contact Joe Robertson
Red Lizard Creative
joe@redlizardcreative.com
858-453-3761