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Find out how our sensor modules can help with your humanoid robot design.

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IMU / AHRS / GNSS-INS for Drones: Stability & Navigation

Drones are expected to fly safely in windy or cluttered environments. To deliver missions reliably - inspection, delivery, mapping, or defense - they need dependable inertial sensing for flight stability and navigation.

Xsens industrial-grade IMUs, AHRS, and GNSS/INS + RTK provide the high-frequency orientation and state estimation required for in-flight stabilization and time-synchronized orientation & position.

 

With up to 400 Hz orientation output, advanced sensor fusion, and compact modules, Xsens helps UAVs stay stable, accurate, and mission-ready - plus fast integration with Pixhawk/Ardupilot and ROS.

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Why Inertial Sensors Matter for UAVs

Unmanned aerial vehicles face demanding conditions: turbulence, payload restrictions, and missions in harsh environments. Xsens inertial modules help solve these challenges by delivering:

  • Real-time flight stability under turbulence and high dynamics (up to 400 Hz orientation).

  • Low-latency orientation output for responsive flight control.

  • Compact, lightweight and low-power modules for tight UAV designs.

  • Developer-ready: SDKs, ROS, Pixhawk/ArduPilot integration

  • Rugged options (IP68) for industrial & defense environments.

UAV Use Cases with Xsens modules

In-flight stabilization & positioning

Maintain steady orientation in turbulence and high dynamics.

Enhanced GNSS + RTK performance

Supercharge existing navigation modules with high-rate AHRS data (400 Hz)

Drone launcher systems

Determine heading and launch angle for consistent trajectories.

Time-synchronized orientation & position

GNSS + RTK and inertial data in a single module for precise navigation.

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Benefits of Xsens Inertial Sensor Modules for Drones

  • High-Rate Orientation Data
    Up to 400 Hz for precise control loops.

  • Compact OEM and SMD Options
    IMUs down to 12×12 mm for small UAVs.

  • Rugged Modules
    IP68 housings, with integrated GNSS receiver.

  • Developer-Ready
    SDKs, ROS, Pixhawk and Ardupilot integration.

  • Proven in UAVs Worldwide 
    Trusted by defense and industrial drone manufacturers.

Xsens Sensor Modules for Drones/UAVs

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MTi 1-Series

  • Ultra-compact (12 × 12 mm), lightweight and low-power SMD module for space-constrained designs.
  • Delivers reliable orientation and positioning with onboard sensor fusion.
  • AHRS, INS/GNSS or INS/GNSS + RTK options, also available in easy to integrate modules for fast prototyping. 
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MTi 600 OEM-Series

MTi 600 OEM-Series

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Xsens Avior AHRS

  • Premium OEM solution, low SwaP-C package.
  • High accuracy for demanding motion dynamics.
  • Wide interface support (UART, CAN, I2C, SPI, UART, RS232, RS424, optional EtherCAT).
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Xsens MTi-680G

  • GNSS/INS + RTK rugged module, IP68 housing.
  • Integrated GNSS receiver for easy, plug & play implementation.
  • Time-synced orientation and positioning data.
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Why Xsens

  • 25 Years of Motion Expertise
    Experience in human and machine motion tracking.

  • Accuracy You Can Rely On
    All sensors are individually calibrated, sensor fusion optimized for real-world conditions.

  • Developer-Friendly
    ROS drivers, Pixhawk and Ardupilot integration.

  • Global Support
    FAEs with direct UAVs expertise in Europe, USA and Asia.
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Inertial Sensors for Drones/UAVs - FAQs

What does an IMU/AHRS add beyond GNSS/RTK on a drone?

An IMU/AHRS delivers high-rate orientation for the flight control loop (up to 400 Hz), keeping attitude stable through turbulence and fast maneuvers. GNSS/RTK gives absolute position but at lower rates and can degrade or drop out; the AHRS keeps the vehicle controllable and responsive.

Which Xsens module fits very small UAVs?

The MTi 1-Series (12 × 12 mm SMD) is ideal for space-constrained designs. It offers IMU/VRU/AHRS options and pairs easily with your GNSS/RTK receiver at the system level.

Do you support Pixhawk/ArduPilot and ROS?

We provide SDKs and drivers for ROS 1/2 today. Pixhawk/ArduPilot compatibility is in active development.

What output rates can I expect?

Orientation output is available up to 400 Hz (model-dependent). Internally, sensors sample at higher rates to preserve fast dynamics with Xsens strapdown integration and fusion.

How do I time-synchronize orientation with GNSS position?

Use an Xsens GNSS/INS module for a single, time-aligned source of orientation, position, and velocity. We also provide software/hardware sync options for external receivers or controllers.

How robust are Xsens sensors to vibration and interference?

Modules are factory-calibrated and use advanced filtering/fusion to maintain accuracy under vibration, shocks, temperature changes, and magnetic disturbances. Rugged, IP-rated options are available on select models.

What’s the quickest way to prototype on a new UAV?

Start with an Xsens development kit. You’ll get cross-platform C/C++/Python examples, open libraries, ROS drivers, and integration guides to validate performance quickly.