Inertial Sensors

Electronic sensors that measure motion and orientation, typically including accelerometers (measuring acceleration/tilt), gyroscopes (measuring rotation), and magnetometers (measuring magnetic field/compass heading). In accessibility applications, inertial sensors enable indoor navigation systems for blind users that work without external infrastructure like beacons or cameras. When combined with pedestrian dead reckoning algorithms, inertial sensors can track a user's movement through step counting and heading estimation, allowing phone-in-pocket navigation where users keep their hands free for a cane or guide dog.