Faster, smoother and safer robot motion
Robots move faster and carry payloads that flex and vibrate. Encoders report joint angles, but not what actually happens at the tool or on the chassis. IMUs and accelerometers add direct motion feedback: residual vibration at the end effector, attitude and heading of mobile robots, slip, tilt and impacts.
AMCORIS supplies Epson IMUs and accelerometers and supports you from sensor selection and evaluation to integration into your robot controller.
QUICK ANSWER
Where does an IMU help a robot?
On an arm or end effector, it measures residual vibration so the controller can damp it and shorten settling time. On mobile robots and AMRs, it provides heading and attitude for navigation and detects slip, tilt and collisions. For safety-related functions, the Epson M-G355QDG complies with IEC 61508 SIL 1.
MOTION FEEDBACK
From encoder data to true motion
An IMU on the tool, a link or the chassis measures how the robot really moves, including flex, vibration and slip that joint encoders cannot see.
1
Measure
Angular rate and acceleration directly at the tool, link or chassis.
2
Compare
Detect the difference between commanded and actual motion, such as residual vibration.
3
Compensate
The controller damps vibration or corrects heading in real time.
4
Record
Motion data supports diagnostics and predictive maintenance of the robot.
Gyro bias instability in °/h (typ.). Shorter is better.
M-G330PDG
M-G355QDG (SIL 1)
M-G366PDG
M-G370PDG
Sources: Epson data sheets M-G330PDG0, M-G366PDG0, M-G370PDG0; Epson news release on the M-G355QDG0 (May 2025).
SENSOR SELECTION
Which Epson sensor for which robot
Compact 6-axis IMUs for motion feedback and navigation, plus a low-noise accelerometer for vibration analysis.
M-G366PDGOn request
IMU · UART/SPI · 1.2 °/h · 0.08 °/√h · 10 g
Robot arms, end effectors and AMRs with tight space and power budgets.
Product details →
M-G355QDGOn request
IMU · UART/SPI · IEC 61508 SIL 1 · 0.08 °/√h
Safety-related functions in industrial and agricultural robotics.
Product details →
M-G330PDGOn request
IMU · UART/SPI · 3 °/h · 0.1 °/√h · 10 g
Cost-sensitive mobile and service robots.
Product details →
M-G370PDGOn request
IMU · UART/SPI · 0.8 °/h · 0.06 °/√h
Precise heading for AMR navigation over long runs.
Product details →
M-G552PC7On request
IMU · CANopen · IP67 · 0.06 °/√h
Heavy mobile robots and vehicles with a CAN bus.
Product details →
M-A352AD10Available online
Accelerometer · UART/SPI · 0.2 µg/√Hz
Vibration analysis of robot structures and drives.
Buy now →FROM AMCORIS PROJECTS
Integration examples
Epson IMUs integrated into an autonomous mobile robot for warehouse logistics and into an industrial robot arm for high-speed pick-and-place.
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Challenge
Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)
Maintaining precise positioning and smooth trajectory control while navigating dynamic warehouse environments.
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Solution
Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)
An Epson MEMS IMU was integrated into the robot's motion control system, providing low-latency orientation and motion data for closed-loop control and sensor fusion.
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Result
Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)
The result was improved trajectory accuracy, smoother vehicle movement, reliable obstacle avoidance and increased navigation stability during continuous operation.
M-G366PDG
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Challenge
Industrial Robotic Arm
Achieving repeatable motion accuracy during high-speed pick-and-place operations.
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Solution
Industrial Robotic Arm
Epson inertial sensors were integrated to provide additional motion feedback, supporting accurate positioning and vibration compensation throughout the robotic cycle.
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Result
Industrial Robotic Arm
The result was improved positioning accuracy, smoother robotic movements, reduced vibration effects and enhanced process repeatability.
M-G355QDG
INTEGRATION TOOLKIT
From first data to sensor fusion, without starting from zero
Open drivers for Epson IMUs shorten your evaluation from weeks to days. Request an evaluation kit and you get the hardware, the software path and our support.
AVAILABLE
Linux C driver & logger
Epson example driver for UART and SPI, including Raspberry Pi. Ideal for first data and embedded ports.
C · UART/SPI · public domain
View on GitHub ↗AVAILABLE
ROS 2 driver
ROS 2 node that configures the IMU and publishes /imu/data and /imu/data_raw. Covers the PDG series, M-G370PDT, M-G570PR and more.
C++ · ROS 2 Humble / Jazzy · BSD-3
View on GitHub ↗IN PREPARATION
GNSS/INS fusion node
Epson IMU node for an open-source PNT framework with GNSS/INS sensor fusion, developed in a research collaboration.
C++ · M-G370PDG first, PDG series next
Ask for early access →YOUR PLATFORM
Autopilot, MCU or custom stack?
Tell us your target platform. We support the integration on autopilots, microcontrollers and custom navigation stacks.
UART · SPI · RS-422 · CAN
Talk to an engineer →WHY AMCORIS
Why engineers choose AMCORIS
01
Robotics expertise
Experience with robot arms, AMRs and mobile machines.
02
Fast motion data
Output rates up to 2 kSps for tight control loops.
03
Functional safety option
M-G355QDG with IEC 61508 SIL 1 compliance.
04
Application engineering
Sensor selection, evaluation kits and integration support.
QDo I need an IMU if my robot has encoders?
Encoders measure joint positions. An IMU measures the actual motion, including flex, vibration and slip. Combining both gives faster, more precise control.
QWhat is the M-G355QDG?
An Epson 6-axis IMU that complies with IEC 61508 SIL 1, with 1.2 °/h bias instability in the same 24 × 24 × 10 mm footprint as the M-G366PDG.
QWhich output rate do I need?
Fast control loops benefit from high output rates. The M-G366PDG and M-G370PDG deliver up to 2000 samples per second, the M-G355QDG up to 400.
QCan I test the IMUs before ordering?
Yes. Request an Epson evaluation kit from AMCORIS and test the IMU in your own setup. Our team helps you choose the right model.
More IMU's
EVALUATION KIT
Test it in your own system
Epson evaluation kits are available from AMCORIS as a free loan for qualified projects. Share a few details about your application and we prepare the right kit and support you during the evaluation.
✓Free loan for qualified projects
✓Help with model selection and set-up
✓Direct line to our application engineers
