Bosch launches high-performance IMU for drone and robotics applications at CES 2018

Las Vegas – At the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA, Bosch Sensortec launches the MEMS sensor BMI088, a high-performance Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with outstanding vibration robustness, specifically designed for drone and robotics applications.

BMI088 features an extremely stable gyroscope derived from Bosch’s proven automotive technology. The IMU delivers low noise and low drift despite fluctuating temperatures.

Ideal for drones and robotics

“Challenging applications, such as drones and robotics, demand extremely stable and high-performance IMUs,” says Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec. “Today, the BMI088 joins Bosch Sensortec’s extensive portfolio of MEMS sensors ideally suited for applications in high-vibration environments.”

The performance, vibration robustness and temperature stability of the BMI088 greatly enhance the drone flying experience by making accurate steering easier even in naturally high-vibration environments. This new IMU is compatible for use with other Bosch sensors, including the BMP38x barometric pressure sensor series for altitude measurement and the BMM150 geomagnetic sensor for heading. Customers benefit from a comprehensive sensor offering that is a perfect match to drone applications – a complete solution from Bosch.

The BMI088 is also a great choice for robotics applications, including industrial robots, domestic appliances such as vacuum cleaners and social robots, as well as e.g. hoverboards. To achieve consistent and reliable navigation accuracy, BMI088 suppresses the vibrations coming for example from rough terrain and built-in motors.

Automotive-proven gyroscope and low-TCO accelerometer

The BMI088 consists of a triaxial 16-bit acceleration sensor and a triaxial 16-bit gyroscope. With this IMU, Bosch has combined automotive-proven gyroscope technology with a new low-TCO accelerometer design. The BMI088 is pin-to-pin compatible with the BMI055, thus simplifying integration into existing designs, and is housed in a compact 3.0 x 4.5 x 0.95 mm3 package.

The automotive-proven gyroscope of the BMI088 has an unmatched bias stability of less than 2°/h and a low temperature coefficient of offset (TCO) below 15 mdps/K. The accelerometer also features a low TCO of 0.2 mg/K and low spectral noise of only 230 μg/√Hz in the widest measurement range of ± 24 g.

Availability

The BMI088 will be available for OEMs and distributors starting in May 2018.

Bosch at CES 2018:

• PRESS CONFERENCE: In Ballrooms B, C, and D, Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas South Convention Center, Level 2, from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. local time on Monday, January 8, 2018.

• BOOTH: Tuesday to Friday, January 9–12, 2018, in the Central Hall, booth #14028

• FOLLOW the Bosch CES 2018 highlights on Twitter: #BoschCES

• PANELS WITH BOSCH EXPERTS:

• Tuesday, January 9, 1:30 – 3:15 p.m. (local time)

“Connect2Car: Next-Gen Automobility” session with Kay Stepper, Vice President of Bosch in North America, head of driver assistance and automated driving,
Las Vegas, Convention Center, North Hall, N256

• Wednesday, January 10, 2018, 1:45–2:30 p.m. (local time)

“Connected Vehicles in Connected Ecosystems” session with Mike Mansuetti, President Bosch North America,
Smart Cities Conference, Westgate.

• Thursday, January 11, 2018, 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. (local time)

“The Future of Robots at Work and Home” session with Phil Roan, Senior Engineer Robotics, BSH Hausgeräte GmbH,
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, N258