An Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is an electronic device that measures acceleration and rotation that can be used to calculate position and velocity. IMUs are the main component of the inertial navigation systems commonly used in aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other unmanned systems, missiles, and even satellites.
An IMU typically consists of:
- Accelerometers: Measure angular velocity.
- Gyroscopes: Measure angular rate.
- Magnetometers (optional): measurement of the magnetic field surrounding the system
An IMU with strong vibration resistance and good performance will enhance drone flight performance.
Reference- Sensors Used in Drones