Xsens AHRS Integrated into Autonomous Survey & Inspection Drone

By Mike Ball / 19 Jul 2020

Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS)

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 11 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

MS-06LA MINISURVEYOR drone

Xsens’ MTi-30 AHRS (attitude and heading reference system) has been integrated into an autonomous UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) designed by Japanese robotics firm Autonomous Control Systems Laboratory Ltd. (ACSL) for use in applications such as logistics, aerial photography, and disaster investigation.

The MS-06LA MINISURVEYOR is the result of twenty years of extensive research experience, and can be used for industrial and infrastructure inspection, radiation monitoring and disaster investigation, precision agriculture, aerial imaging, and more. The fully autonomous drone measures 101cm in diameter, weighs 3 kg with a maximum additional payload of 6 kg, and can fly for 10 – 30 minutes. The drone is a hexacopter platform, but a loss of one propeller will still allow the drone to maintain its balance using only the five remaining propellers and return to base.

The Xsens MTi-30 provides the MS-06LA MINISURVEYOR with fast, high-accuracy attitude and movement data for flight controls, and its sensor data can also be used to enable innovative technologies integrated into the drone. The MINISURVEYOR’s in-house developed Autopilot Flight Controller (APFC) uses the MTi-30’s 9-axis sensor system (3-axis gyro sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis magnetometer) as the cornerstone of its stabilization and guidance systems.

The MINISURVEYOR uses methods such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) to fly accurately without GPS guidance. Using inertial sensors and 3D sensors, the drone can keep away from obstacles automatically while generating a high quality 3D map of its surroundings.

ACSL has also developed what it claims is the world’s first automatic battery-charging system for drones, enabling an unmanned aircraft to be used for an extended period of time without human intervention. ACSL continues to develop new technologies through collaborative research and development in order to create novel and versatile drone-based solutions.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Low- & Zero-Emission Propulsion & Power Generation Solutions for UAVs

NEX Power's hybrid propulsion technologies are designed to enable next-generation applications such as UAM and heavy-lift cargo drones

Feb 07, 2025
Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Feb 07, 2025
Project OPTIMAS to Utilize Schiebel VTOL UAS for Advanced Optical Laser Communications

Project OPTIMAS and Schiebel are set to develop a secure, high-speed optical communication system using quantum encryption and laser technology for multi-domain defence and satellite connectivity

Feb 07, 2025
Gemini 1200id High-Resolution Sonar Optimized for Unmanned Underwater Operations

Tritech's Gemini 1200id sonar offers high-resolution imaging, advanced noise reduction, and dual-frequency capability, enhancing performance for unmanned underwater systems and mission-critical ROV operations

Feb 07, 2025
Dockstr to Offer SubC Imaging’s Underwater Cameras & Software Solutions

SubC Imaging has announced Dockstr as its new agent, extending access to its advanced underwater cameras, DVRs, and remote operation systems across key offshore sectors worldwide

Feb 07, 2025
New NDAA-Compliant FPV Drone Camera Released 

Unusual Machines has launched the NDAA-compliant Fat Shark Aura FPV Camera, offering high-performance, first-person view capabilities for commercial and defense applications

Feb 07, 2025

Featured Content

Vertiq’s 81-08 G2 Module Added to DIU’s Blue UAS Framework

Vertiq's 81-08 G2 servo motor and control system for Group 2 sUAS has become the first motor and ESC combination to be approved under the U.S. government's Blue UAS Framework

Feb 05, 2025
Compact Remote ID Receiver Released for Enhanced Drone Safety

Dronetag has introduced RIDER, a pocket-sized, drone-agnostic Remote ID receiver designed to improve airspace situational awareness and support commercial and public safety applications

Jan 30, 2025
New GCS Software Released for C100 Quadcopter

Performance Drone Works introduces PDW CORE, a comprehensive software bundle enhancing the C100 quadcopter's capabilities with a new UI, flight simulator, mission planner, ATAK integration, and fleet management tools

Jan 29, 2025
Advanced Signal Mapping Tool Released for Effective UAV Flight Planning

Elsight has launched HeatSight, a signal strength mapping tool that provides UAV operators with reliable cellular coverage data, improving flight planning efficiency and safety for BVLOS missions

Jan 28, 2025
Doodle Labs Unveils Mobile App for Managing Mesh Networks

Doodle Labs is introducing the Mesh Rider® Mobile App, providing intuitive tools for managing wireless mesh networks across devices such as ground control stations (GCS) and UAVs

Jan 23, 2025
Advanced FOG-Based Inertial Sensing Solutions for Drones & Robotics

Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions

Jan 21, 2025