With the release of PX4 drivers for MicroStrain by HBK’s 3DM-CV7-AR and 3DM-CV7-AHRS sensors, users can now directly integrate high-quality inertial data into their PX4 flight control systems.
This capability streamlines access to precise orientation and navigation data that users require for real-time applications, and ensures that the company’s inertial sensors are as accessible and adaptable as possible for those working on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and autonomous robotics.
For those working in fields like aerial mapping, inspection, and autonomous navigation, these new drivers offer an opportunity to optimize data flow and control precision.
PX4
PX4 is an open-source flight control platform used widely in the drone and UAV community. It serves as the core system for autonomous flight and navigation, processing essential data – from position and orientation to environmental inputs – to control unmanned systems in real time.
PX4 is highly adaptable, supporting a variety of drone configurations and autonomous vehicles, making it a critical tool for developers working on drones, autonomous robots, and remote sensing applications.
Inertial Sensors for UAVs
Inertial sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, are essential in UAVs and drones, providing accurate real-time data on position, orientation, and acceleration.
This data is critical for maintaining stability, precise navigation, and orientation in flight – especially for applications that demand high accuracy, such as aerial mapping, industrial inspections, and autonomous navigation. MicroStrain by HBK’s sensors offer specific features suited to UAV and drone applications:
3DM-CV7-AR
This Vertical Reference Unit (VRU) provides high-speed, high-accuracy orientation and acceleration data, ideal for precision tracking and motion-based applications.
3DM-CV7-AHRS
As an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), this sensor provides consistent orientation data with built-in magnetic calibration, which is crucial for applications requiring reliable heading accuracy, such as navigation in dense or complex terrains.
Accessing and Downloading the Drivers
To support the integration of these sensors, MicroStrain has made the PX4 drivers readily accessible:
MicroStrain by HBK is actively developing additional PX4-compatible drivers for other sensors in its lineup, expanding the possibilities for engineers and developers working in UAVs, drones, and robotic systems.
The company provides real-time data solutions for a range of use cases, including precision agriculture, autonomous transport, and remote inspections.
