Gyroscopes are devices that measure or maintain rotational motion. They are essential in many applications, including navigation, robotics, and gaming. Many mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, contain gyroscopes.
The most common type of gyroscope is the spinning-mass gyroscope. This type of device uses a spinning wheel or rotor to create resistance to changes in orientation. The amount of resistance is proportional to the speed of the rotation. Other types of gyroscopes include optical and MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) gyroscopes.
MEMS gyroscopes are very small devices that use vibrating structures to detect changes in orientation. These devices are used in many consumer electronics applications, such as phones and digital cameras. Optical gyroscopes use lasers to measure changes in orientation. They are typically used in high-end applications where precise measurements are required, such as aircraft navigation systems.