Silicon Sensing and Kongsberg Discovery partner to develop MEMS gyro technology

Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd and Kongsberg Discovery AS have joined forces to develop next-generation inertial technology. The companies signed the formal agreement June 2 during EXPO in Osaka, Japan.

The agreement will merge the engineering skills of both companies to speed the evolution of products within each company. Kongsberg will use developments to enhance their next generation of high-performance systems – including attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS) and inertial navigation systems (INS). Silicon Sensing will use these outcomes to benefit its precision micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial measurement units (IMUs), gyros and accelerometers.

The companies are aiming to achieve navigation-grade performance from a MEMS-based gyro. Navigation-grade refers to a highly accurate and stable gyroscope used in inertial navigation systems (INS) to precisely measure angular velocity and rotational motion. 

Gyro sensors measure changes in rotation angle over time, enabling detection of direction, angle, and vibration. They are used in smartphones, game consoles, car navigation systems, industrial equipment and devices requiring vibration detection, camera shake correction and attitude control.

“The diverse range of applications for this technology is expected to grow significantly in the future,” said Anders Rønningen, executive vice president, Kongsberg Discovery. “This agreement will foster growth for both companies, as well as for Norway, Japan and the UK. We have established a strong presence in the maritime market and are now venturing into new markets.”

“For over a year we have been working with Kongsberg Discovery, exploring how best to bring our engineering teams together to move us towards performance goals that will extend the capabilities of our entire product portfolio – bringing real operational benefits across many industrial sectors. This important agreement details how we will achieve those ambitions,” said Satoru Miyamoto, general manager, Silicon Sensing (Japan).

David Somerville, General Manager at Silicon Sensing (UK), concludes, “This endeavor will fast-track development activities in key areas for both companies, bringing critical performance gains for customers in fields as diverse as satellite control, subsea mapping, industrial robotics, aviation and maritime.”