The data in this guide comes from a combination of sources: interviews with industry experts, customer feedback, and extensive research into IMU technologies. Information was also sourced from official websites and detailed articles by industry journalists. This comprehensive approach ensures accuracy and reliability in the information provided.

IMU accuracy depends largely on the grade of the sensor. Consumer-grade IMUs typically offer 10 to 100 degrees/hour precision, while industrial-grade IMUs improve this to 1 to 10 degrees/hour. Tactical-grade IMUs provide even better accuracy, ranging from 0.1 to 1 degree/hour, and are suited for military applications. Finally, navigational-grade IMUs offer the highest precision, with less than 0.01 degrees/hour, ideal for aerospace and defense.

An IMU sensor plays a central role in modern navigation systems by measuring an object’s acceleration, angular rate, and sometimes magnetic field to give precise movement data. It ensures stable, accurate motion tracking, making it indispensable in a wide range of high-tech applications.

The ADIS16488 is a high-performance MEMS IMU designed for precision measurement in harsh environments. It has a bias instability of 6.25 degrees per hour for gyroscopes. While it excels in stability and ruggedness, its high cost and availability issues could be drawbacks.

UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) typically use tactical-grade or industrial-grade IMUs depending on their application. Tactical-grade IMUs provide higher precision and stability, essential for military drones or those requiring accurate long-term navigation. In contrast, industrial-grade IMUs are more suited for commercial drones, offering a balance between cost and performance. Both types measure orientation, acceleration, and angular velocity to ensure stable flight and precise navigation in varying conditions.