gyroscopes
Orientation-sensing spinning wheels
Gyroscopes is the plural of gyroscope, a spinning wheel or disc mounted so its axis can turn freely in any direction.
The spin creates angular momentum that resists tilting, keeping the axis pointed the same way regardless of how the frame moves.
This stability makes gyroscopes essential for navigation—in ships, aircraft, and spacecraft—and for stabilizing cameras and drones.
Smartphone gyroscopes detect rotation for gaming and screen orientation.
Rotational motion quantity
- precessionRotating axis gradually reorients
- rotationTurning on an axis
- torqueRotational force measurement
- inertiaResistance to altered motion
conservation · momentum · nutation · rigidity · stability · centrifugal · moment of inertia · axis tilt
Device showing cardinal directions
- attitude indicatorInstrument showing aircraft orientation
- headingDirectional course traveled
- autopilotAutomated vehicle guidance system
- gimbalPivoted rotational support
artificial horizon · INS · guidance system · dead reckoning · avionics · submarine · accelerometer · flight control
Process of becoming steady
- SegwaySelf-balancing electric scooter
- hoverboardSelf-balancing electric rideable
- motion trackingDetecting and recording movement
- image stabilizationTechnology preventing motion blur
self-balancing · robotics · gaming controller · VR headset · wearable device · steadicam · monorail · attitude control
Rotating toy on point
- PowerballNational lottery with massive prizes
- fidget spinnerPalm-sized rotating distraction
- desk toySmall office plaything
- noveltyQuality of being original
trick · hand spinner · mesmerizing · kinetic sculpture · perpetual motion · science fair
angular momentum
Rotational motion quantity
- precessionRotating axis gradually reorients
- rotationTurning on an axis
- torqueRotational force measurement
inertia · conservation · momentum · nutation · rigidity · stability · centrifugal · moment of inertia · axis tilt · wobble
compass
Device showing cardinal directions
- attitude indicatorInstrument showing aircraft orientation
- headingDirectional course traveled
- autopilotAutomated vehicle guidance system
gimbal · artificial horizon · INS · guidance system · dead reckoning · avionics · submarine · accelerometer · flight control · marine navigation
stabilization
Process of becoming steady
- SegwaySelf-balancing electric scooter
- hoverboardSelf-balancing electric rideable
- motion trackingDetecting and recording movement
image stabilization · self-balancing · robotics · gaming controller · VR headset · wearable device · steadicam · monorail · attitude control · satellite positioning
spinning top
Rotating toy on point
- PowerballNational lottery with massive prizes
- fidget spinnerPalm-sized rotating distraction
- desk toySmall office plaything
novelty · trick · hand spinner · mesmerizing · kinetic sculpture · perpetual motion · science fair
- roboticsrobot, android, humanoid, robotic arm, servo
- spinnersspinning top, tops, top, fidget spinner, pinwheels
- precision engineeringmicrochips, sensors, bearings, gears, watches
- sensors and trackerssensors, GPS trackers, pet trackers, fitness trackers, motion sensors
- Microsystemsmicrosensors, microfabrication, micromachining, accelerometers, lab-on-a-chip
- military avionicsavionics, radar systems, electronic warfare, navigation systems, flight controls
gyroscopesmagnetic compasses
Instruments indicating geographic north
lodestones · magnetometers · GPS receivers · sextants · plumb bobs
- gyroscopic stabilityBalance from angular momentum