A gyroscope is a sensor that measures angular velocity, meaning how fast an object rotates around each axis, usually in degrees per second. Consumer devices use MEMS gyroscopes, tiny vibrating structures that detect rotation through the Coriolis effect.
Why it matters
Gyroscopes let a device track rotation smoothly and quickly. They are essential for camera image stabilisation, VR headset head tracking, drone flight control, and games that respond to turning the device. On their own they drift: tiny errors add up when rotation rates are integrated to get orientation.
To correct drift, systems use sensor fusion. The gyroscope gives fast, short-term rotation, while the accelerometer (which senses gravity) and a magnetometer (which senses the compass direction) provide slow, absolute references. Together they form an inertial measurement unit (IMU).
Example
If a gyroscope reports 90 degrees per second around the vertical axis for 2 seconds, the device has turned about 180 degrees. If there is a constant offset error of 0.5 degrees per second, the estimate would be off by 1 degree after those 2 seconds and 30 degrees after a minute.
Common mistakes
- Relying on a gyroscope alone for long-term heading.
- Confusing it with an accelerometer; one senses rotation, the other linear acceleration.
- Skipping calibration while the device is still.
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