#Canada #Montreal #OSCP #MK2 #ROS 2

OSCP Releases ROS 2 Driver for MK2 Inertial Measurement Units

In a groundbreaking development for robotics technology, OSCPS Motion Sensing Inc. (commonly referred to as OSCP) has released an open-source driver for its MK2 inertial measurement units (IMUs). This initiative, which took place during the ROSCon Global event in Toronto from September 22 to 24, 2026, enables robots operating indoors to enhance their navigation capabilities significantly.

Operating without the benefit of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals, indoor robots face unique challenges in localization. Environments like warehouses, inspection tunnels, greenhouses, and various building interiors typically lack the necessary satellite coverage. To address these challenges, OSCP has harnessed the power of wheel odometry and inertial measurement units to provide stable navigation solutions.

The newly released ROS 2 driver, available under the MIT license, connects the MK2 family units to a ROS 2 system through RS-422 or CAN-FD interfaces. Data is shared via standard sensor_msgs topics, allowing integration with existing navigation stacks without requiring customized parsing techniques. The driver comprises three packages: the main node, a library for COBS decoding and frame definitions, along with a collection of OSCP message types which are timestamped using the internal clock of the device. Configuration is simplified through a YAML file, and the node offers services for querying configurations, calibrating stationary bias, resetting orientations, and applying magnetometer calibration.

The driver currently supports the ROS 2 versions Humble and Jazzy on Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04, making it accessible for a broad range of developers. The MK2M2 model, measuring 40 x 40 x 25 millimeters and weighing just 75 grams, consumes only 1.2 watts. Users can later upgrade to the MK2E2, which replaces the MEMS gyroscope on the Z-axis with a photonic gyroscope, while maintaining MEMS gyroscopes on the X and Y axes.

Kazem Zandi, founder and CEO of OSCP, emphasized the importance of providing the ROS community with a driver that offers clean data output, negating the need for users to rely on opaque specifications or serial protocols. He stated, "The ROS community does not need another sensor with a datasheet and serial protocol. What is needed is a device that publishes clean data to the stacks people are already using. We designed the driver to eliminate the complexity of integration as a separate project."

Recent tests conducted by OSCP demonstrate the advantages of the photonic gyroscope. In a 21-minute journey through downtown Montreal, where satellite positioning was unavailable, the MK2E2 unit managed to navigate within 5.7 meters of the ground truth, while the MK2M2, using MEMS technology, ended up 20.5 meters away. Both models exhibited the same minimal in-run bias of 0.5 degrees per hour; the discrepancies arose primarily from the gyroscope technology used on the Z-axis. For further insights, detailed analysis including route data and error progression can be found at oscp.com/case_studies/photonic-vs-mems-proven-real-roads.

Another consideration for OSCP's focus on photonic gyroscopes is their resilience against vibrations. MEMS gyroscopes are susceptible to bias errors due to g-forces, making them less reliable in dynamics commonly associated with mobility platforms or uneven terrains. In contrast, photonic gyroscopes operate without a test mass that can vibrate, enhancing their stability.

For applications where robots must operate for extended periods without positional fixes, OSCP is also developing the MK2Z prototype, which incorporates a navigation-grade optical gyroscope along the trajectory axis offering precision of 0.005 degrees per hour—a significant improvement over the MEMS gyroscope. Although larger and consuming more power (weighing 475 grams and using 4.5 watts), the MK2Z is aimed at specialized applications in mines, tunnels, underwater vehicles, and large indoor environments.

In his comments, Thibaut Gravey, vice president of product for OSCP, stressed the value of open-source software, noting, "A driver whose source code you cannot view is one you cannot trust. Integrators often modify timing, the frame in which they publish, and the calibration methods they prefer—these processes become much simpler when the source code is accessible."

The driver was developed by Rayan Raad, an intern in robotics engineering at OSCP, who will be available to discuss the project at stand 29 during the ROSCon conference.

All OSCP sensors are designed and manufactured in Montreal, and the OSCP team is actively participating in the ROSCon Global conference at the Sheraton Centre Toronto from September 22-24, where they are eager to discuss integration opportunities. To arrange a meeting, individuals are encouraged to reach out to [email protected].

ABOUT OSCP

OSCPS Motion Sensing Inc., known as OSCP, specializes in the design and manufacture of photonic gyroscopes and inertial measurement units. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the company aims to deliver tactical-grade accuracy in compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient products, especially suited for environments where GNSS signals may be disrupted or unavailable. OSCP's clientele spans industries including aerospace, defense, marine operations, railways, robotics, and autonomous ground systems, with all products being manufactured in Canada and adhering to ITAR-free specifications.