An
inertial measurement unit (
IMU) is an electronic device that measures and reports a body's
specific force, angular rate, and sometimes the magnetic field surrounding the body, using a combination of
accelerometers and
gyroscopes, sometimes also
magnetometers. IMUs are typically used to maneuver
aircraft, including
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), among many others, and
spacecraft, including
satellites and
landers. Recent developments allow for the production of IMU-enabled
GPS devices. An IMU allows a GPS receiver to work when GPS-signals are unavailable, such as in tunnels, inside buildings, or when electronic interference is present. A
wireless IMU is known as a WIMU.