Feature

7 reasons every autonomous vehicle needs an accurate IMU

An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is a device that directly measures the three linear acceleration components and the three rotational rate components (6-DOF) of a vehicle. An IMU is unique among the sensors typically found in an autonomous vehicle because an IMU requires no connection or knowledge of the external world.

03/08/2018 11:26:22

A self-driving car requires many different technologies, for example - LIDAR to create a precise 3D image of the local surroundings, radar for ranging targets using a different part of the EM spectrum, cameras to read signs and detect colour, high-definition maps for localisation, and more. Unlike the IMU, each of these technologies involves the external environment in order to provide data back to the software stack for localisation, perception, and control. This unique “independent” property of the IMU, makes it a core technology for both safety and sensor-fusion.

The following list is just a start, additional reasons and benefits of an accurate IMU are welcomed as responses to this article.

Read the full article in the August issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.