SBG Systems, a developer of high-performance inertial measurement units (IMU) and inertial navigation systems (INS), has introduced the world’s first microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based North seeking IMU, capable of operating without global navigation satellite system (GNSS) aiding — a breakthrough in MEMS technology.
This leap forward paves the way for future products, including altitude and heading reference system
Source: SBG Systems (AHRS) and INS solutions, to further expand the possibilities of MEMS-based navigation. This innovation marks a major milestone in inertial navigation by bringing the benefits of MEMS sensors to the world of high-performance navigation and orientation.
Unprecedented performance and innovation
This MEMS-based IMU provides unparalleled precision, achieving a heading accuracy better than 1° secant latitude without GNSS aiding, and an INS heading accuracy better than 0.01° when fused with GNSS using SBG Systems’ state-of-the-art navigation and orientation algorithms.
Furthermore, this is a true MEMS-based gyrocompass with no moving parts and that doesn’t rely on carouseling, ensuring durability and reliability in all environments.
Key benefits of SBG Systems’ MEMS-based gyrocompassing IMU include:
- Unmatched SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) optimization: miniature form factor (52 mm x 52 mm x 36 mm, less than 150 g) with low power consumption (2 W), making it the most compact and efficient solution in its category.
- Volume ready: designed for high-volume production, enabling broad adoption across industries and competitive pricing.
- Robustness: no moving parts, ensuring long-term reliability even in the most demanding conditions.
- International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)-free: for unrestricted global deployment.
Revolutionary gyrocompass alignment algorithms
SBG Systems has developed cutting-edge and patent pending algorithms to provide ultra-fast gyrocompass and INS alignment in all conditions:
- Pure north-finding algorithm: capable of rapid initialization in both static and dynamic conditions down to one minute.
- Advanced GNSS/INS algorithm: takes full advantage of gyroscope performance, to provide exceptional single-antenna heading accuracy even in non-dynamic scenarios.
“With this breakthrough, we are pushing the boundaries of MEMS technology. This IMU lays the foundation for a new generation of compact, cost-effective, and high-accuracy navigation solutions for marine, autonomous systems, and georeferencing applications.” said Thibault Bonnevie, CEO of SBG Systems.
Target markets
- Subsea applications: ideal for ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) and AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) that require precise navigation in extreme environments.
- Geospatial and marine surveying: enables high-performance single-antenna marine surveys with unparalleled accuracy, making it the perfect choice for hydrographic, dredging and offshore operations.
First off-the-shelf solutions are planned for early 2026.
