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IMUs for Drones and UAVs

Xsens inertial modules give drones precise orientation, stable flight control, and reliable navigation. With up to 400 Hz orientation output, advanced sensor fusion, and compact OEM designs, Xsens is a trusted choice for UAV developers.

Explore Inertial Sensors for UAVs

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.

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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.

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.

 

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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?

Which Xsens module fits very small UAVs?

Do you support Pixhawk/ArduPilot and ROS?

What output rates can I expect?

How do I time-synchronize orientation with GNSS position?

How robust are Xsens sensors to vibration and interference?

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