Co-operation agreement for new generation of inertial products
Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd and Kongsberg Discovery AS have signed a co-operation agreement for the development of next generation MEMS-based gyro technology. The agreement was signed during Expo in Osaka, Japan, for the company to develop next-generation inertial technology.
Anders Rønningen, executive vice president at Kongsberg Discovery, said: "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."
Gyro sensors measure rotation angle changes over time, allowing detection of direction, angel, and vibrations. Applications include smartphones, game consoles, car navigation systems, industrial equipment, and devices requiring vibration detection. It can also detect camera shake correction and attitude control.
Rønningen said: "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 the UK. We have established a strong presence in the maritime market and are now venturing into new markets.”
Engineering skills of the companies can be combined to speed up product development for each company, with Konsberg looking to enhance their next generation of high-performance systems, such as Attitude and Heading Reference Systems. Silicon Sensing believes its precision Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems inertial measurement units can benefit from the deal.
Silicon Sensing is aiming to achieve ‘navigation-grade’ performance from Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems-based gyro, giving it a highly accurate and stable gyroscope used in inertial navigation systems to accurately measure angular velocity and rotational motion.
Satoru Miyamoto, general manager at Silicon Sensing (Japan), said: “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.”
David Somerville, general manager at Silicon Sensing (UK), said: “This endeavour 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.”
