How do different subsea ROV motion sensors compare?
Selecting the appropriate motion sensor for a subsea Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is critical for precise navigation, positioning, and tool manipulation. Key comparison factors include accuracy (Roll, Pitch, Heave, Yaw), depth rating, physical size and weight, robustness, ease of integration with ROV control systems, reliability in harsh environments, and overall cost-effectiveness.
Norwegian Subsea offers the MRU Subsea, specifically engineered for demanding underwater applications like ROV operations. This unit features a robust, compact titanium housing depth-rated to 6000 meters, making it ideal for deep-water tasks. We provide different accuracy levels to meet specific operational needs, with Roll and Pitch accuracy options of ±0.05° (Series 3000), ±0.02° (Series 6000), or ±0.01° (Series 9000), and a standard Heave accuracy of 5.0 cm or 5.0%. Our sensors utilize advanced MEMS technology and sensor fusion algorithms, validated in real sea conditions.
Integration is streamlined with the MRU Subsea. It comes equipped with a reliable Subconn connector and supports standard communication protocols like Ethernet (UDP, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP) and serial (RS-232 or RS-485), ensuring compatibility with various ROV systems and PLCs. The compact footprint and the ability to mount the sensor in any orientation offer significant installation flexibility on space-constrained ROVs. For applications primarily focused on tilt measurement, a high-accuracy, cost-effective VRU/(Inclinometer) version is also available.
Compared to other options, the Norwegian Subsea MRU Subsea provides a compelling combination of high performance, proven reliability, deep-water capability, and ease of integration at an affordable price point. Our focus on robust design minimizes the need for recalibration, reducing lifetime operational costs for ROV operators.
Related products
Usage area
6000 m depth
Connectors
SubConn 8
Roll & Pitch accuracy
- 3000±0.05°
- 6000±0.02°
- 9000±0.01°
Heave accuracy
5 cm or 5.0%
Further reading
Advanced motion compensation for sonars introduced at Ocean Business 2025
MRUs for vessel performance optimisation in focus at Europort 2025
Research Project to Test Value of MRU Data for Vessel Performance and Carbon Reduction
Related questions
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Improving the accuracy of subsea sensors fundamentally relies on selecting a high-performance unit designed specifically for the demanding underwater environment. At Norwegian Subsea, we achieve superior accuracy through a combination of state-of-the-art MEMS sensor technology, advanced sensor fusion algorithms, and robust hardware engineering, validated in real sea conditions.
Our algorithms are crucial for filtering noise and accurately calculating motion parameters like Roll, Pitch, Heave, Surge, Sway, and Yaw (6DoF), even under complex, irregular motion patterns typical of subsea operations. Furthermore, our sensors undergo rigorous testing and validation in real sea conditions, ensuring their performance specifications are met in the environments where they will be deployed.
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Data filtering is a critical process within Motion Reference Units (MRUs) designed to refine raw sensor measurements by removing noise and isolating the true motion components. At Norwegian Subsea, our MRUs utilize advanced sensor fusion algorithms and Kalman Filter algorithm that intelligently process data from state-of-the-art MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes.
These sophisticated algorithms act as highly optimized filters, effectively distinguishing between vessel motion and unwanted noise or vibrations. This ensures the delivery of exceptionally accurate and stable measurements for Roll, Pitch, Heave, Yaw, Surge, and Sway in real sea conditions with irregular waves and coupled motions.
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Accurate seabed mapping using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) relies heavily on precise motion compensation of the sonar as well as sensing of the vehicle's movements. Why you need motion compensation of your sonar system?
- Accurate Seafloor Mapping – Without proper motion
compensation, vessel movement can distort
sonar readings, leading to incorrect depth measurements
and unreliable bathymetric data.
- Accurate Seafloor Mapping – Without proper motion
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