How is real-time data analysis performed with motion reference units?
Norwegian Subsea Motion Reference Units (MRUs) are designed to provide high-accuracy, real-time motion data crucial for monitoring, control or instrument compensation in demanding marine and subsea applications. Our MRUs utilize state-of-the-art MEMS sensors combined with advanced sensor fusion algorithms to continuously measure Roll, Pitch, Yaw, Heave, Surge, and Sway (6 Degrees of Freedom - 6DoF).
The core function enabling real-time analysis is the MRU's internal processing capability. Raw sensor readings are processed onboard using sophisticated algorithms to calculate precise orientation and motion data with minimal latency. This processed data is then immediately available for output.
This real-time motion data is transmitted from the MRU to external systems for analysis and decision-making. Norwegian Subsea MRUs facilitate seamless integration by offering versatile connectivity options, including Ethernet and serial ports (RS-232/RS-485), and supporting a wide range of standard industrial communication protocols like UDP, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, NMEA, as well as custom ASCII or binary formats.
Therefore, while the MRU performs the critical task of accurately measuring and outputting motion data in real-time, the subsequent analysis of this data is typically performed by the connected client system, which relies on the high-quality, low-latency data stream provided by our reliable MRUs.
Related products

Usage area
IP 65
Connectors
RJ45 or RJ50
Roll & Pitch accuracy
- 3000±0.05°
- 6000±0.02°
- 9000±0.01°
Heave accuracy
5 cm or 5.0%

Usage area
50 m depth, IP 68
Connectors
Lemo or SubConn 8 or SubConn 16
Roll & Pitch accuracy
- 3000±0.05°
- 6000±0.02°
- 9000±0.01°
Heave accuracy
5 cm or 5.0%

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%

Usage area
Hazardous areas
Connectors
Pigtail cable
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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What is the difference between the MRU Marine and MRU Marine SW?
- The MRU Marine has an IP-68 rating, uses a Lemo 16-pin connector and has indicator lights.
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When navigating the complexities of motion sensing and navigation systems, it is essential to understand the distinctions between devices and systems like Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), Inclinometers, Roll & Pitch sensors, Vertical Reference Units (VRU), Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS), Motion Reference Units (MRUs), Gyrocompasses, and GNSS-Aided Inertial Navigation Systems (GNSS/INS). Each serves specific purposes and offers different levels of functionality, accuracy, and application scope.
Gyrocompass
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The MRU Compact uses a standard RJ45 ethernet cable where power is supplied through Passive PoE (Power over Ethernet). In most cases you cannot connect the MRU directly to a an ethernet switch with PoE, since most of these are Active PoE.
We normally supply your first MRU Compact with a start kit containing a POE RJ45 spliter socket. You will only need standard RJ45 cat5 ethernet cables to connect the MRU to the spliter socket and the spliter socket to your PC or ethernet switch.
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