When people think about autonomous cars, they often picture cameras, artificial intelligence, and powerful onboard computers. But none of these systems can work properly unless the vehicle knows exactly where it is and how it is moving. This is one of the challenges Murata engineers tackle every day.

At Murata, we design and manufacture MEMS*-based inertial sensors that support advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving. These sensors help vehicles navigate reliably – also when satellite navigation is not available.

Why positioning is such a challenge

Satellite navigation systems such as GPS work well in open areas, but real driving environments are rarely ideal. Signals can be blocked or distorted by tunnels, tall buildings, bridges, or even dense tree cover.

For a vehicle that needs to stay precisely in its lane, react smoothly to curves and handle complex traffic situations, these limitations matter. This is why autonomous systems complement satellite navigation with onboard technologies such as Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), which can track vehicle motion independently of external signals.

Continuous motion measuring in all situations

An Inertial Measurement Unit combines accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure the vehicle’s acceleration, rotation, and changes in motion. By continuously tracking these movements, the IMU provides a detailed picture of how the vehicle is moving and helps maintain accurate positioning when satellite data becomes unreliable or temporarily unavailable.

Unlike satellite navigation, an IMU:

• works independently of external signals,
• continues operating in tunnels and urban environments,
• provides motion data at very high update rates.

Combining sensor data for more reliable driving

Modern vehicles combine data from multiple sources – GNSS**, IMUs and other sensors – to build a robust understanding of position and motion. This kind of sensor fusion improves accuracy, smooths out gaps in positioning data, and supports the safety requirements of higher levels of automation.

To provide a reliable backbone for these tasks, the IMU must provide a high-quality signal even in harsh vibration, over fluctuating temperature and throughout the vehicle’s lifetime. They must be small, durable, highly accurate and stable over time, while meeting strict automotive quality standards. Murata’s MEMS inertial sensors are designed to meet exactly these demanding criteria.

Small components, big impact

Inertial sensors are rarely visible to drivers, yet they play a critical role in how modern vehicles operate. At Murata Finland, our mission is to contribute to a safer, healthier, and smarter world by creating trusted, innovative MEMS sensor solutions. Autonomous driving is a clear example of how this mission turns into real-world impact.

Niilo Malinen
Product Manager

*MEMS = Microelectromechanical Systems
**GNSS = Global Navigation Satellite System