Xsens supplies sensor fusion DSP Module to Sagem

ENSCHEDE, The Netherlands, — 4 August 2011 — Xsens, the leading global supplier of 3D motion tracking systems and Sagem (Safran Group), today signed an agreement for the supply of advanced sensor fusion signal processing modules for integration in a new line of inertial system products from Sagem. Sagem chose Xsens after a careful technology and supplier selection process. As part of the supply agreement, Xsens has customized its proven 3D motion tracking sensor fusion algorithms to take full benefit of Sagem’s advanced Coriolis resonating gyros and high grade silicon accelerometers.

Building on the proven XKF-3™ sensor fusion algorithms for dynamic 3D orientation estimation, Xsens is delivering a custom DSP module which outputs very accurate vertical reference values, even in dynamic situations. Fabrice Delhaye, VP Sales of Sagem comments: "Xsens has a thorough understanding of our specification and application, which they combine with proven expertise in the field of inertial systems and sensor fusion. The cooperation with Xsens is a strategic move for Sagem, which enables us to develop a range of innovative products and shorten our time to market significantly." Per Slycke, CTO of Xsens, adds: “We are very excited to have Sagem, one of the largest supplier of inertial navigation systems in the world, as our customer in the years to come. The team at Xsens is dedicated to be a supplier that companies can trust, as well as a source of innovation and agility in the fast moving field of sensor fusion for 3D motion tracking.”

Next to real-time calculation of robust roll, pitch and yaw rate, the DSP module supplied by Xsens will also provide the external interfacing to the user. The messaging protocol is fully compliant to Xsens’ open CMT standard, making interfacing and development easy for engineers integrating the product. Developers already familiar with Xsens’ MTi product line will find the electrical interface and communication API something they can get started with immediately.

Xsens will be exhibiting at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems in Washington D.C., August 16-19th, 2011, booth 2520.

About Sagem
Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems. Operating across the globe through the Safran group, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 7000 people in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

About Xsens
Xsens is a leading global supplier of 3D motion tracking products based upon miniature MEMS inertial sensor technology.

Since its inception in 2000, several thousands of motion sensors and motion capture solutions have successfully been deployed in areas such as 3D character animation, rehabilitation and sports science, and robot and camera stabilization. Customers include Electronic Arts, Sony Pictures Imageworks, INAIL Prosthesis Centre, Daimler, Saab Underwater Systems, Kongsberg Defense Systems and many other companies and institutes throughout the world.

Xsens’ research department has created unique intellectual property in the field of multi-sensor data fusion algorithms, combining inertial sensors with aiding technologies such as GPS and RF positioning and biomechanical modeling. The company and its products have received several awards, amongst which five consecutive entries in Deloitte’s ranking of fastest growing technology companies in Europe.

Xsens is headquartered in Enschede, The Netherlands and has a subsidiary, Xsens North America Inc. in Los Angeles, California, US.