Description

Adafruit Absolute Orientation Sensor (BNO055) – 9-Axis IMU Fusion Breakout Board

Unlock the full potential of motion sensing and orientation tracking with the Adafruit Absolute Orientation Sensor (BNO055) – a powerful 9-axis IMU that delivers precise, real-time 3D orientation data without the need for complex algorithm development. Engineered by Bosch and integrated into a user-friendly Adafruit breakout board, the BNO055 combines accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer data through an advanced onboard sensor fusion processor, providing stable and reliable orientation information in just minutes.

Whether you’re developing robotics, motion-controlled devices, wearable tech, or navigation systems, this sensor offers plug-and-play precision and professional-grade stability—making it one of the most popular IMUs for engineers, students, and developers alike.

All-in-One 9-DOF Sensor with Onboard Fusion

At the core of the module lies the Bosch BNO055, a fully integrated 9 Degrees of Freedom (9-DOF) sensor that merges three essential sensors:

• 3-axis accelerometer – Measures linear acceleration.

• 3-axis gyroscope – Detects angular velocity.

• 3-axis magnetometer – Senses magnetic field strength for heading information.

What makes the BNO055 truly unique is its built-in 32-bit Cortex-M0 microcontroller that performs all sensor fusion computations internally. Unlike conventional IMUs that require complex code and calibration to derive usable orientation data, the BNO055 outputs ready-to-use, fully processed orientation data—saving you time and reducing development complexity.

Real-Time Orientation Data with Multiple Outputs

The Adafruit BNO055 outputs a variety of data types at high precision and frequency, making it suitable for both static and dynamic applications.

Sensor Output Data:

• Euler Angles (100Hz): 3D orientation across a full 360° sphere.

• Quaternions (100Hz): High-accuracy orientation output ideal for 3D graphics and motion control.

• Angular Velocity (100Hz): Real-time rotation rate in radians per second.

• Acceleration (100Hz): Measures both gravity and motion.

• Magnetic Field (20Hz): Magnetic field strength in microteslas (µT).

• Linear Acceleration (100Hz): Pure motion data with gravity removed.

• Gravity Vector (100Hz): Gravity-only acceleration data for tilt compensation.

• Temperature (1Hz): Ambient temperature in degrees Celsius.

These outputs make the BNO055 ideal for precise motion tracking, gesture recognition, and orientation control across a wide range of projects.

Plug-and-Play Integration via I²C

One of the standout features of the Adafruit BNO055 is its ease of integration. Connecting it to your microcontroller or single-board computer is simple using the I²C interface. Within minutes, you can start receiving real-time orientation data without worrying about complex calibration or algorithm tuning.

It’s fully compatible with platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and BeagleBone, and Adafruit provides ready-to-use open-source libraries and examples—allowing you to get your project up and running effortlessly.

Precision Engineering for Reliable Performance

The Adafruit BNO055 breakout board is compact yet durable, featuring:

• Onboard voltage regulator and logic-level shifting, allowing operation with both 3.3V and 5V systems.

• Mounting holes for secure installation in embedded systems or robotics projects.

• Breakout headers for easy breadboard or custom PCB connection.

The sensor’s integrated fusion firmware ensures stable, drift-compensated output, eliminating the need for external filters or complex sensor alignment procedures.

Ideal for a Wide Range of Applications

The Adafruit BNO055 9-DOF sensor is designed for versatility and can be used in dozens of real-world applications, including:

• Robotics and Drones: Real-time position and attitude control for stable movement.

• Wearable Technology: Gesture detection, posture tracking, and motion monitoring.

• Navigation Systems: Accurate orientation for GPS-assisted navigation or mapping.

• Gaming and VR/AR: Motion capture and head-tracking for immersive experiences.

• Automation and Industrial Control: Detect motion, tilt, or vibration with high precision.

• STEM Education and Research: Perfect for teaching motion sensing, IMUs, and orientation algorithms.

 

Key Features

• Fully integrated 9-DOF IMU sensor with onboard fusion algorithm.

• Plug-and-play via I²C for easy connection with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and similar boards.

• Bosch BNO055 chip with built-in fusion processor – no external code needed.

• Outputs orientation data as Euler angles, quaternions, velocity, acceleration, magnetic field, and gravity vector.

• High update rate (up to 100Hz) for smooth, responsive motion data.

• Compact breakout design with voltage regulation and logic level shifting.

• Supported by Adafruit’s open-source libraries and detailed documentation.

Package Includes

• 1× Adafruit BNO055 9-DOF IMU Fusion Breakout Board

Why Choose the Adafruit BNO055 Absolute Orientation Sensor

If your project needs accurate motion tracking without the hassle of writing complex fusion algorithms, the BNO055 is your best choice. With its onboard fusion engine, robust performance, and easy integration, it delivers professional-grade results in a simple, compact form. Supported by Adafruit’s extensive documentation and community, it’s a perfect fit for makers, engineers, and educators looking to add precise orientation sensing to their projects.

Data Sheet