What is an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)?
Mon, Nov 3, 2025
An Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is an electronic device that uses inertial sensing technology to measure an object's three-axis attitude (or angular rate) and acceleration. It acts like a device's "inner ear" and "balance system," capable of determining its own motion state in space through self-sensing without external signals (such as GPS or Wi-Fi). From smartphones in our pockets to drones soaring in the sky, and spacecraft exploring the unknown, the IMU is a core component for achieving autonomous navigation, attitude stabilization, and motion tracking.
