Bob Larson
Remember the toy gyroscopes and spinning tops you played with as a child. Gyroscopes are actually a lifesaver device used in many private, commercial, or military vehicles, ships, and aircraft for navigation and stabilization during their travels. Gyroscopes measure three directional axis rotation and come in mechanical, laser, and electronic versions. It basically measures and maintains orientation and angular velocity.
A gyrocompass indicates true north as opposed to magnetic north. Hence, they are the preferred sensor for high precision navigation systems on commercial ships and aircraft
In modern aircraft, inertial guidance systems use these relatively simple devices. They have a suite of spinning gyroscopes to monitor and control the orientation of the aircraft in flight. They also have applications in drone aircraft and helicopters by providing stability and helping with navigation.
The Mars Rover even has a set of them. They provide the Rover with stability as well as aid with navigation. Electronic hand presenters use gyroscopes for moving the cursor correctly on your screen.
Despite their anti-gravity design, they are also used on ocean-going ships and yachts to provide navigation, but also stabilization in rough seas or airliners in rough weather. Submarines, orbiting satellites, space shuttles, rockets, and helicopters and even NASCAR race cars use gyroscopes.
The Earth is actually a great example of a gyroscope. Because the Earth rotational axis actually lies at an angle from the vertical and orbits the sun as the rotational axis itself rotates. More than you probably wanted to know!
Regardless, I doubt the original French inventor of the gyroscope in 1852 never knew how popular and important his invention would be. This is another great example of technology used to enhance the lives on our planet.
~ Bob Larson is a technologist and Marketing Director for 50 Plus.