IMU

What is IMU?

Inertial Measurement Unit AKA Odometry

Immersive training leverages virtual and augmented reality to create hands-on learning environments that enhance skill acquisition through realistic simulations, improving knowledge retention while reducing costs and risks associated with traditional training methods.

How does IMU work?

Modern IMUs typically combine multiple microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) including accelerometers that measure linear acceleration along three axes, gyroscopes that detect rotational movement, and sometimes magnetometers that establish absolute orientation relative to Earth's magnetic field. This sensor fusion approach compensates for individual sensor limitations; accelerometers suffer from positional drift over time, while gyroscopes provide excellent short-term accuracy but experience rotational drift. In immersive technology applications, IMUs deliver crucial orientation data with extremely low latency (typically under 2ms) that enables head tracking to update visual perspectives before users perceive delay, which is essential for maintaining comfort and presence.

Development platforms implement sophisticated sensor fusion algorithms that combine IMU data with complementary tracking technologies like optical positioning systems to achieve precise six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) movement tracking that accounts for both rotation and position in space.

While standalone VR headsets incorporate dedicated high-precision IMUs optimized for minimal drift characteristics, smartphone-based systems rely on the mobile device's built-in sensors which may vary significantly in quality and update frequency. Understanding these hardware differences becomes particularly important when developing cross-platform applications that need to maintain consistent tracking performance across different deployment environments.