Xsens provides a range of inertial sensing modules for unmanned aerial vehicles, supporting flight stabilization, orientation, positioning, and navigation across compact, industrial, and rugged UAV platforms. Read more >>
The portfolio includes IMU, AHRS, GNSS/INS, and GNSS/INS + RTK configurations, with options ranging from 12 × 12 mm SMD devices to IP68-rated modules with integrated GNSS receivers.
Designed for integration into UAV flight and navigation systems, Xsens modules provide orientation data at rates of up to 400 Hz and use onboard sensor fusion to support state estimation. Integration options include SDKs, ROS drivers, and compatibility with Pixhawk and ArduPilot.
Inertial Sensing for UAV Stability and Navigation
Reliable inertial data is important for drones operating in turbulence, confined areas, harsh environments, or other conditions that place significant demands on flight-control and navigation systems.
Applications including inspection, mapping, delivery, and defense can require both rapid attitude updates for stabilization and synchronized position and orientation information for navigation.
Xsens industrial-grade IMUs, AHRS products, and GNSS/INS + RTK modules are designed to provide this data in compact form factors. Depending on the selected product, systems can receive orientation information at up to 400 Hz, supporting high-frequency control loops and stabilization during dynamic flight.
Low-latency orientation output supports responsive flight control. For UAV developers working within constrained payload, power, and installation requirements, the range includes lightweight OEM and SMD configurations as well as rugged IP68 options.
UAV Applications for Xsens Modules
In-Flight Stabilization and Positioning
High-rate orientation measurements can support stable aircraft attitude during turbulence and other high-dynamic operating conditions.
Enhanced GNSS and RTK Performance
Xsens AHRS data can be supplied at rates of up to 400 Hz to complement existing navigation modules requiring high-frequency attitude information.
Drone Launcher Systems
Inertial sensing can be used to determine heading and launch angle, providing measurements that support consistent launch trajectories.
Synchronized Orientation and Position
GNSS + RTK and inertial measurements can be combined within a single module to provide time-synchronized positioning and orientation data for navigation.
Xsens MTi 1-Series
MTi-1 series by Xsens
The MTi 1-Series is intended for UAV designs where board area, weight, and power consumption are tightly constrained.
The SMD module measures 12 × 12 mm and uses onboard sensor fusion. Configurations are available for AHRS, INS/GNSS, and INS/GNSS + RTK, supporting orientation and, where applicable, positioning.
These options are also available in modules intended for easier integration and rapid prototyping.
Xsens MTi 600 OEM-Series
The MTi 600 OEM-Series combines a compact embedded form factor with orientation output at rates of up to 400 Hz.
Available configurations include AHRS, INS/GNSS, and INS/GNSS + RTK, allowing UAV developers to select the navigation capability required by the platform.
For critical GNSS applications, the MTi-680 is also available with a Septentrio Development Kit incorporating the Mosaic X5, which provides anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities.
Xsens Avior AHRS
The Xsens Avior AHRS is a premium OEM solution in a low-SWaP-C package. It provides high accuracy for demanding motion dynamics and supports a broad range of interfaces, including UART, CAN, I2C, SPI, UART, RS232, RS424, and optional EtherCAT.
This interface selection gives UAV system designers flexibility when incorporating attitude and heading data into different embedded architectures.
Xsens MTi-680G
The Xsens MTi-680G combines GNSS/INS + RTK capability within a rugged IP68 enclosure.
An integrated GNSS receiver supports plug-and-play implementation, while the unit provides time-synchronized orientation and positioning data.
Integration and UAV Design Considerations
Across the Xsens inertial sensor range, developers can select between compact SMD devices, OEM modules, and rugged enclosed units according to platform requirements.
For small airframes, the 12 × 12 mm MTi 1-Series provides an option where available installation space is limited. Applications requiring high-rate embedded orientation data can use the MTi 600 OEM-Series, while Avior provides a low-SWaP-C AHRS with extensive interface support. UAVs requiring integrated GNSS, RTK, and environmental protection can use the MTi-680G.
Xsens also provides SDKs, ROS drivers, and Pixhawk and ArduPilot integration to support UAV development and implementation.
Each sensor is individually calibrated, with sensor fusion optimized for real-world operating conditions. Xsens draws on 25 years of experience in human and machine motion tracking and has field application engineers with direct UAV expertise in Europe, the United States, and Asia.
