Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd and Kongsberg Discovery AS have entered into an agreement to jointly develop a next-generation MEMS-based gyroscope designed to achieve navigation-grade performance.
The formal agreement was signed on June 2nd at EXPO in Osaka, Japan, officially initiating the partnership to drive forward new inertial technology.
The collaboration brings together the engineering capabilities of both companies to enhance their respective product lines. Kongsberg plans to incorporate the jointly developed technology into future high-performance systems, including inertial navigation systems (INS) and attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS).
Silicon Sensing will use the outcome of the collaboration to further improve its precision MEMS-based inertial measurement units (IMUs), gyroscopes, and accelerometers.
“Navigation-grade” describes a gyroscope with the high precision and stability required for accurately measuring angular velocity and rotational movement within an inertial navigation system (INS). The aim of this partnership is to accelerate the development of such a sensor.
Gyroscopes function by detecting rotational movement over time, enabling accurate tracking of orientation, angles, and motion. These sensors are widely found in consumer electronics, vehicle navigation systems, industrial machinery, gaming technology, and applications involving vibration sensing, image stabilization, and attitude control.
Executive Vice President Anders Rønningen of Kongsberg Discovery stated, “In the current geopolitical climate, established companies must collaborate to develop technologies that ensure a secure future. Succeeding in this collaboration will result in the world’s best gyro.
“The diverse range of applications for this technology is expected to grow significantly in the future. This agreement will foster growth for both companies, as well as for Norway, Japan and UK. We have established a strong presence in the maritime market and are now venturing into new markets.”
David Somerville, General Manager at Silicon Sensing (UK), said, “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.”
Satoru Miyamoto, General Manager, Silicon Sensing (Japan) added, “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.”
