UK start-up Vertigo has combined some mind-bending maths with ARM’s mBed microprocessor to create a device that is capable of combining an accelerometer, gyroscope and GPS to tell you exactly where you have gone and how fast you were going
Small enough to strap onto a GoPro it can store data on a micro-sd card which can then be analyzed to give detailed statistics on its path, location, and speed.
The tiny device can give an incredibly detailed data to those interested in logging orientation information and it is hoped that while it can be used by hobbyists or professional athletes, that it will inspire the next generation of engineers when used in the classroom.
While the device can be used in a traditional school lab (see the image below of Vertigo attached to a spinning horizontal bike wheel) it’s first public outing last month was at Thorpe Park as part of the British Science Association ‘Great British Science Club’.
The team hopes that by getting students to take Vertigo into the field they will be able to investigate how things are really moving and use this new-found knowledge to Engineer improvements.
Schools and colleges can register their interest in the device through the IRIS website.
