University of Michigan gyroscope could reduce dependence on GPS in electronics

Researchers powered the University of Michigan have developed a small but powerful gyroscope that could reduce the GPS-dependency of drones and autonomous cars.

According to U-M’s Schlumberger Professor of Engineering, Khalil Najafi, the gyroscope -- a device used to measure and maintain navigation found in smartphones and other technologies -- is 10,000 times more accurate than a typical smartphone gyroscope but at only 10 times the cost.

New micro-gyroscope has a symmetrical glass resonator and a special shape, which increases its accuracy. The tiny device uses electrodes as well as a metal coating to contain vibration patterns that move the gyroscope. It’s small size also means that it can easily fit in navigational systems within drones, cars and underwater vehicles.

Read more at ClickOnDetroit

Image Credit: University of Michigan

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