Inertial Navigation Systems

What is an inertial navigation system?

An inertial navigation system (INS) is comprised of an IMU, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver and sensor fusion software. These components work together to calculate position, orientation, and velocity to deliver critical navigation information in GNSS-denied areas like urban canyons, bridges, tunnels, mountains, parking garages and dense forests.

Inertial Navigation System vs. GPS

Inertial navigation systems are autonomous after initialization, do not rely on satellite connectivity and can convey more granular data than a GPS device used alone. Moreover, they are resistant to radar jamming and deception, as they are self-contained. You can read more about when it makes sense to use an inertial navigation system vs. GPS here.

What is an inertial measurement unit?

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) use gyroscopes and accelerometers to sense rotation and acceleration. They can be used in any application where it’s important to accurately measure and compensate for vibration and motion under the most challenging conditions. In addition to helping stabilize antennas and cameras, IMUs are also used on robots, autonomous vehicles and drones that require navigation in the absence of external aiding signals.

What is a gyroscope?

Gyroscopes help navigate vehicles ranging from airplanes and ships to drones and self-driving cars. They stabilize and orient cameras, scientific instruments and robots. They isolate sensitive equipment from vibration and guide drill rigs for oil and gas producers. They’re used in virtual-reality headsets, smartphones and computer-pointing devices. They keep satellites pointed in the right direction, enabling the voice and data communications that connect our world and fuel the global economy. To read the full article, “What is a gyroscope,” click here.

Honeywell Inertial Navigation system applications

Honeywell inertial navigation systems can be found anywhere around the world spanning commercial and defense aircraft, autonomous vehicles, drones, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs used for surveying and mapping, and so much more.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of an inertial navigation system?

An inertial navigation system provides absolute position and attitude information to a platform, unlike an IMU. This information can be used to navigate vehicles autonomously, perform highly-precise inspections, generate high-definition maps for location applications and much more. You can read more about the advantages and disadvantages of an inertial navigation system here.