SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) is used in autonomous vehicles of all types to build a map and simultaneously locate the vehicle in that map. SLAM algorithms allow the vehicle to analyze and map out unknown environments. With this map information, the vehicle can implement path planning and obstacle avoidance. Visual SLAM uses cameras and/or […]
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
What sensors do you need to land on the moon?
NASA is developing several sensor systems and algorithms for use on Artemis moon landings. It’s called the Safe and Precise Landing – Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) technology suite. It consists of three primary elements: An inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a camera for terrain relative navigation. Second is Doppler LiDAR to determine the lander’s velocity […]
PIGAs can indeed fly – and are still the best, Part 3: History and future
The PIGA is the oldest accelerometer and widely used in rocketry and guidance, and still the best – but MEMS-based devices are getting closer. The previous parts looked at the principle and operation of the PIGA. This part looks briefly at its history and refinement and the MEMS-based versions of the PIGA being developed and […]
PIGAs can indeed fly – and are still the best, Part 1: Frame of reference
The PIGA is the oldest accelerometer, is widely used in rocketry and guidance, and is still the best – but MEMS-based devices are getting closer. When you see an inexpensive drone, a more sophisticated one, an unmanned aircraft, a standard piloted aircraft, guided or intercontinental ballistic missile ICBM), an underwater drone or submarine, or a […]
What sensors are in a smart cane? Pt 2
Inspired by self-driving vehicles and robotics, the Augmented Cane developed by Stanford University researchers uses a LiDAR sensor to measure distance to nearby obstacles and then provide directions so blind or visually impaired users can navigate around those areas. Additional sensors in the research prototype include GPS, accelerometers, magnetometers and gyroscopes to monitor the user’s […]
How can sensors improve a worker’s posture and reduce discomfort?
Activities part of the BIONIC project were on full display at the recent MEDICA 2021, held Nov 15-18, 2021, in Dusseldorf Germany. The BIONIC (for Body Information ON an Intelligent Chip) project is funded by the European Union. The project’s goal involves “Personalized Body Sensor Networks with Built-In Intelligence for Real-Time Risk Assessment and Coaching […]
What sensors are in Spot, the robotic dog?
While it has been over 6 years since the unusual gait of Boston Dynamics’ robotic dog first caught people’s attention and over 2 years since its Spot robot dog went on sale, the robot’s capabilities continue to impress. Besides going up and down stairs, its recent appearance in dance routines could be its best trick […]
How can you improve the next-generation IMU?
At Sensors Expo 2019, Lou Thaddeo, the Director of Business Development for Thales Visionix Inc. discusses how Visionix’s newest NavChip Series 3 inertial measurement unit (IMU) plays a critical role in helmet mounted displays for pilot head tracking and other applications. The 6-axis (3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope) IMU implements enhanced performance over NavChip Series […]
Video: Measuring dynamic tilt with an inertial measurement unit (IMU)
ACEINNA has published a new video on YouTube titled How to measure dynamic tilt and orientation with an IMU: Why would one want to know the dynamic tilt angle on a vehicle? Consider a classic example of a plane in the clouds. The pilot can’t see the ground, nor can he or she trust […]
What’s new in IMUs?
At Sensors Expo 2018, Faheem Faheem, the Director of R&D for Visionix Engineering for Thales Visionix, discusses NavChip 2, a next-generation inertial measurement unit (IMU) with high sensitivity and high performance. Architected around proprietary technologies and advanced signal processing techniques, the IMU contains a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope for 6-axis motion sensing. […]
