How many Sensors are in a drone? What do they do?

“Most people have no idea how many sensors are in a typical drone,” explains Chris Winkler. “Without sensors to control flight, stability, direction, video capture, there would be no drones. This short white paper introduces the concept of sensors for drones.” 

For example, tilt sensors keep the drone flying upright and from falling out of the sky.  Accelerometer sensors keep the drone on course as well as controlling up and down movement, helping to ensure smooth looking video from the drone’s cameras. Inside the camera itself are other sensors that keep the camera pointed in the right direction and help to further smooth out the video.

Inertial Measurement Units sensors – working with GPS sensors, are critical for maintaining direction and flight paths. The white paper also covers the use and function of other sensor types such as current, magnetic and flow sensors.