Xsens has expanded its OEM navigation lineup with the launch of the Avior GNSS INS and Avior RTK GNSS INS, two compact embedded navigation modules designed for applications that require highly accurate orientation and positioning in demanding outdoor environments. By combining the company’s latest inertial measurement technology with next generation u-blox GNSS receivers, Xsens is targeting developers of autonomous machines, drones, robotics, marine platforms, and precision surveying equipment.
Rather than introducing an entirely new navigation concept, Xsens has focused on refining every critical component of the sensing chain. The result is a platform that offers better inertial performance, more capable satellite tracking, broader communication interfaces, and easier integration into OEM products.
Compact design for embedded navigation
One of the strongest aspects of the new Avior family is its exceptionally compact hardware package. Measuring only 36.8 × 40 × 15.7 mm and weighing just 35.2 g, the modules are small enough for space constrained autonomous platforms while maintaining industrial grade durability through an aluminum enclosure.
Power consumption remains below 0.5 W, making the platform particularly attractive for battery powered systems including UAVs, autonomous ground vehicles, robotic payloads, and portable mapping equipment where every watt matters.
The low size, weight, power, and cost approach also provides OEM manufacturers with greater flexibility when designing compact navigation systems.
Dual GNSS options target different applications
Xsens offers two hardware configurations depending on positioning requirements.
The standard Avior GNSS INS integrates the u-blox MAX-F10S dual band receiver, capable of simultaneously tracking all major global satellite constellations. This configuration delivers reliable positioning, velocity, and timing data while improving satellite visibility in challenging environments.
For applications demanding survey grade positioning, the Avior RTK GNSS INS incorporates the significantly more capable u-blox ZED-X20P quad band receiver with full Real Time Kinematic support.
The RTK version brings several important improvements:
- Centimeter level positioning.
- Faster RTK initialization.
- Improved recovery after GNSS signal interruption.
- Better resistance to multipath interference.
- Higher satellite availability.
- Compatibility with PointPerfect correction services.
- Support for Galileo High Accuracy Service.
These capabilities make the RTK version suitable for autonomous agricultural equipment, machine control, unmanned surface vessels, mobile mapping, and robotic inspection systems operating where positioning consistency is essential.
High accuracy inertial performance
Beyond satellite positioning, Xsens continues to emphasize inertial measurement quality, which has long been one of the company’s strengths.
According to published specifications, the modules deliver:
| Specification | Xsens Avior GNSS/INS | Xsens Avior RTK GNSS/INS |
|---|---|---|
| Roll and pitch accuracy | 0.2° RMS | 0.2° RMS |
| Yaw and heading accuracy | 0.8° RMS | 0.5° RMS |
| Position accuracy | 1 m CEP | Centimeter-level RTK positioning |
| GNSS receiver | u-blox MAX-F10S | u-blox ZED-X20P |
| GNSS bands | Dual-band | Quad-band |
| RTK support | No | Yes |
| Gyroscope bias stability | 8°/h | 8°/h |
| Accelerometer bias stability | 15 µg | 15 µg |
| Dimensions | 36.8 × 40 × 15.7 mm | 36.8 × 40 × 15.7 mm |
| Weight | 35.2 g | 35.2 g |
| Power consumption | Less than 0.5 W | Less than 0.5 W |
| Supported interfaces | UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, CAN-FD, second UART | UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, CAN-FD, second UART |
| Correction service compatibility | Standard GNSS services | PointPerfect and Galileo High Accuracy Service |
The improved heading performance on the RTK model is particularly valuable for autonomous navigation during low dynamic movement or when GNSS conditions temporarily degrade.
Modern interfaces simplify OEM integration
Another noticeable improvement is the communication architecture.
The modules support:
- UART
- Secondary UART
- SPI
- I2C
- CAN
- CAN FD
The addition of CAN FD enables higher data throughput compared to conventional CAN communication, making the modules easier to integrate into modern robotic and automotive electronic architectures.
Developers can also utilize CAN based control messages, simplifying interaction between the host controller and navigation module.
To accelerate product development, Xsens also offers a dedicated evaluation kit exposing every supported interface simultaneously. This allows engineering teams to validate communication protocols and integration workflows before hardware production.
Advanced outputs for autonomous systems
Unlike many compact navigation modules that simply provide position and orientation, the Avior platform also outputs real time covariance information describing the estimated uncertainty of each measurement.
This information is becoming increasingly valuable for modern autonomy software because localization algorithms, Kalman filters, and multi sensor fusion systems can dynamically assign confidence levels to incoming navigation data.
For marine applications, Xsens additionally offers an MRU configuration capable of producing real time heave measurements for unmanned surface vessels, offshore platforms, hydrographic surveys, and other maritime systems.
Software compatibility remains broad, including:
- MT Software Suite
- C++
- C#
- Python SDKs
- MATLAB
- ROS 1
- ROS 2
Existing users of the MTi-670 and MTi-680 product families can migrate without needing to redesign their entire software ecosystem.
Industry perspective
From a technical standpoint, the Avior family reflects where embedded navigation is heading today. Hardware specifications alone are no longer the primary differentiator. Instead, manufacturers compete by improving sensor fusion quality, interference resilience, communication flexibility, and software integration.
Xsens appears to have recognized this shift. Rather than chasing headline specifications, the company has delivered a balanced navigation platform that combines proven inertial technology with one of the most advanced generations of u-blox GNSS receivers currently available. The addition of covariance outputs, CAN FD support, and seamless compatibility with existing software ecosystems makes these modules particularly attractive for OEM developers seeking to shorten integration time while maintaining professional grade navigation performance.
About Xsens
Xsens is a Dutch motion tracking and inertial sensing specialist founded in 2000 and headquartered in Enschede, Netherlands. The company has built a global reputation in motion capture, IMUs, AHRS, GNSS INS navigation, and sensor fusion technologies used across industrial automation, robotics, marine systems, autonomous vehicles, aerospace, virtual production, and biomechanics. Today, Xsens products are deployed by thousands of organizations worldwide, and the company operates as part of Movella Holdings, expanding its portfolio across both professional motion capture and high precision embedded navigation markets.
