Inertial Measurement Unit is a collection of measurement tools. When installed in a device, these tools can capture data about the device’s movement. IMUs contain sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers.
IMUs can measure a variety of factors, including speed, direction, acceleration, specific force, angular rate, and (in the presence of a magnetometer), magnetic fields surrounding the device.
Each tool in an IMU is used to capture different data types:
– Accelerometer: measures velocity and acceleration
– Gyroscope: measures rotation and rotational rate
– Magnetometer: establishes cardinal direction (directional heading)
IMUs combine input from several different sensor types in order to accurately output movement.
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