Xsens has developed a series of complete, self-contained 3D motion tracking modules for high volume industrial and ‘prosumer’ applications, writes Nick Flaherty.
The MTi 1-series of Motion Trackers offer low cost while incorporating the latest in advanced sensor fusion and miniature MEMS technologies.
Individually calibrated and tested to enable minimal implementation effort, the MTi 1-series delivers a dynamic accuracy of 1 deg RMS for roll and pitch, making them the most accurate 3D motion trackers in their class.
The MTi 1-series is a 12x12x2.5 mm PLCC28-compatible module that can output orientation, acceleration, rate of turn and magnetic field from its I2C, SPI or UART interfaces. The advanced and robust signal processing pipeline, along with the proven XKF3 sensor fusion algorithm, ensures unmatched performance in many applications including robotics, agriculture, heavy machinery, handheld laser scanners and drones. The module’s onboard processing reduces the load on the application processor to lower the overall power consumption of the end system, while consuming less than 45mW.
The communication protocol and API is identical across the entire Xsens product portfolio, making integration of the low cost MTi 1-series, MTi 10-series and high-performance MTi 100-series easy.
Designers can choose from the selection of high-performance 3D motion trackers and select the Xsens motion tracker suitable for their design, while re-using validated driver and application code from other projects, reducing engineering time and risk. The sensor fusion technologies enable a seamless interaction between the physical and the digital world in applications such as industrial control and stabilization, health, sports and 3D character animation.
Development kits are available now, including a license for the MTi-line SDK. System designers can also find example code featuring Xsens-designed drivers on ARM’s mbed.org developers’ website, where Xsens regularly updates its library of drivers and software. The MTi 1-series is both CE and FCC-certified.
Clients and partners include Electronic Arts, NBC Universal, Daimler, Autodesk, ABB, Siemens and various other leading institutes and companies throughout the world.