10 Applications of Gyroscope | Working, Types, Advantages, Limitations
A gyroscope is a device that measures or maintains the orientation and angular velocity of an object. It can detect rotational motion and changes in orientation by using the principles of angular momentum.
How Gyroscope works
Following key points summarize working operation of gyroscope.
➨Angular Momentum: Gyroscopes operate based on the principles of angular momentum,
which is the quantity of rotation of an object and depends on the object's mass,
shape and rotational speed.
➨Sensing Mechanism: Gyroscopes typically use mechanical, optical
or MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology to measure rotation.
➨Axes of Measurement: Gyroscopes can measure rotation along one, two
or three axes (x, y and z).
Types of Gyroscopes
Following are the common gyroscope types.
• Mechanical Gyroscopes: Consist of a spinning wheel or rotor.
The axis of the rotor remains pointing in the same direction due to the conservation of angular momentum.
• Optical Gyroscopes have following two sub-types.
1. Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLG): Use lasers to measure the difference in phase shifts caused by rotation.
2. Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOG): Use light traveling through optical fibers to measure rotation.
• MEMS Gyroscopes: Use tiny vibrating structures etched into silicon to measure angular velocity.
These are commonly found in consumer electronics due to their small size and low power consumption.
The same is shown in the figure above.
Gyroscope Applications
Following are the 10 applications of Gyroscopes including in drones/UAVs.
1. It is used in consumer electronics products such as smartphones and tablets, wearables and gaming controllers.
• In smartphones, it detects screen orientation and helps in enabling automatic rotation and
enhancing user experiences.
• In smartwatches and fitness trackers, it monitors orientation and activity and helps in
improving the accuracy of motion tracking.
• In gaming Controllers, it provides motion-sensing capabilities, which allows
more immersive and interactive gameplay by detecting tilt and rotation.
2. Automotive Industry:
• It enhances vehicle stability by detecting skidding and providing necessary corrections
through the electronic stability control (ESC) system.
• It is integrated with GPS sensors to provide more accurate navigation by correcting for errors
in the vehicle's position and orientation.
• It is used in anti-roll and traction control unit to help in preventing vehicle rollovers and
to improve traction on different surfaces.
3. Aerospace and Aviation:
• It is critical component for maintaining aircraft orientation and stability, especially in autopilot systems.
• As part of inertial navigation systems (INS), it provides precise navigation data by continuously calculating position, orientation,
and velocity of aircraft.
• Used in gyroscopic instruments such as the attitude indicator,
turn coordinator and heading indicator to provide essential flight information.
4. Robotics:
• Used in robots to maintain balance and control movements, enabling precise operations and navigation.
• In autonomous robots, it helps in path planning and navigation by providing real-time orientation data.
• It enhances the accuracy of robotic arms and other machinery in manufacturing processes.
5. Marine Applications:
• Assist in maintaining the orientation and stability of ships, improving navigational accuracy.
• Crucial for maintaining depth and orientation under water in submarines.
• Used in buoys and other marine instruments to monitor ocean conditions and provide stable readings.
6. Industrial Applications:
• Used to monitor the rotational motion of machinery,
ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
• Help in monitoring the stability and orientation of structures like buildings, bridges and towers.
• Enhance the performance of automated systems in various industrial applications.
7. Drones and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles):
• Stability and Control: Gyroscopes are critical for maintaining the stability and control of drones and UAVs.
They detect rotational movements and provide real-time data to the flight controller, which adjusts the motors to keep the drone stable.
• Navigation: Integrated with other sensors like accelerometers and magnetometers in an
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to provide accurate navigation data. This helps in maintaining the drone's course and position.
• Autopilot Systems: Essential for the functioning of autopilot systems, allowing drones to follow pre-set flight paths
and perform automated tasks.
• Camera Stabilization: Used in gimbal systems to stabilize cameras mounted on drones, ensuring smooth and
steady video footage even when the drone is moving or experiencing turbulence.
• Collision Avoidance: Contribute to advanced collision avoidance systems by providing precise orientation data,
helping drones to detect and avoid obstacles.
• Flight Performance: Enhance the overall flight performance by providing data for maneuvers, improving the agility and responsiveness of drones during flight.
8. Healthcare:
• Used in various medical devices for monitoring patient movement and orientation,
such as in rehabilitation equipment.
• Improves the functionality of prosthetic limbs by providing orientation data for better control and movement.
9. Sports and Fitness:
• Used in sports equipment and wearables to analyze athletes' performance
by tracking movements, rotations, and orientation.
• Provide real-time feedback on posture and movement, helping athletes to improve their technique.
10. Research and Development:
• Used in various research fields to measure and analyze rotational motion and orientation.
• Help in testing and refining prototypes of new devices and systems by providing precise orientation data.
Advantages of Gyroscopes
Following are the benefits or advantages of Gyroscopes.
➨As it offers high precision, gyroscopes can be used for accurate measurements of rotational motion.
➨It has wide range of applications across various fields, from consumer electronics to aerospace.
➨Due to its improved stability, it helps in maintaining stability and control in vehicles, aircraft
and other systems.
Limitations of Gyroscopes
Following are the drawbacks or limitations of Gyroscopes.
➨Some types of gyroscopes can be complex and expensive.
➨Some gyroscopes, particularly mechanical ones, can consume significant power.
➨Over time, gyroscopes can exhibit drift, leading to errors in measurement.
Conclusion : Gyroscopes are crucial sensors used in various applications across multiple industries including modern devices and systems due to their ability to measure and maintain orientation and angular velocity.