Why we rely on Xsens – high-end sensor technology for precise gait analysis

Xsens IMU for dogs: Not all motion sensors are the same. In gait analysis, the quality of the sensor technology determines the validity of the data. LupoGait therefore relies on the professional IMU technology from Xsens – a globally recognized system that sets standards in medicine, sports science and industry. In this article, we show what makes Xsens so special – and why veterinarians benefit from it.

Not all sensors are the same

Gait analysis thrives on data – but this data is only as good as the sensors that capture it. This is a particular challenge in veterinary medicine: dogs move dynamically, often unpredictably and are rarely exactly reproducible. Added to this are short measurement windows, asymmetrical gait patterns and external influences such as changing environments. All of this places high demands on the technical precision of the measuring devices.

Conventional IMUs, such as those installed in consumer wearables, quickly reach their limits here: although they provide raw data, this is often noisy, unstable or difficult to reproduce. Such systems are not sufficient for reliable orthopaedic diagnostics.

This is why LupoGait relies on professional Xsens IMUs technology – a system that has proven itself in the most demanding applications worldwide. Xsens sensors are not only considered the gold standard in human motion analysis, but also in areas such as aviation, robotics and clinical rehabilitation research. For veterinary medicine, this means maximum precision, stability and informative value – even under difficult practical conditions.

What makes Xsens IMUs special

Xsens inertial sensors combine several measuring elements in one compact module:

• Accelerometer (linear motion)
• Magnetometer (direction/orientation in space)
• Gyroscope (angular velocity)

Through sensor fusion, this data is calculated in real time to create an exact movement profile. Advantages over conventional IMUs:

• Low noise – for clear, interpretable data
• Stable reference axis – important for rotations (e.g. in pelvic kinematics)
• Low drift – even with longer measurement durations
• High measurement rate – ideal for fast movement phases
• These properties are crucial for detecting even subtle gait deviations, which are important for the early detection of orthopaedic diseases.

Technology with provenance: Xsens at a glance

Xsens is a Dutch company that has specialized in the development and perfection of IMU technology for over two decades. Today, Xsens sensor solutions are considered the global standard in professional motion analysis. Their areas of application range from sports science, for example in elite sports or Olympic teams, to the film and entertainment industry, where they are used in motion capture technology for CGI productions, to medical motion research and robotics and aeronautical engineering.

This exceptionally wide range of applications is impressive proof of the technological maturity of Xsens systems. They stand for precision, stability and reliability – even under difficult conditions. It is precisely these qualities that make the technology so valuable for veterinary gait analysis: reliable, interference-resistant and high-resolution sensor technology is crucial for obtaining meaningful data when recording the movement of dogs.

Why LupoGait is working with Xsens

When developing LupoGait, it was clear that if we wanted to detect subtle gait deviations in dogs, we had to use the best IMU technology available. That’s why Xsens is an integral part of the system.

• Advantages for veterinary practice:
• Reproducible measurement results – reliable even with repeated examinations
• Precise joint angle detection – for progress checks and therapy comparisons
• Reliable detection of asymmetries – even with compensated gait patterns
• High data security – thanks to validated hardware with medical research experience

The difference to simpler IMUs can be seen in the accuracy and usability of the data. Where other systems struggle with noise or drift, Xsens delivers clear movement information.

Conclusion: Precision you can rely on

In modern gait analysis, every detail counts. Especially when it comes to early detection, subtle deviations or the success of therapy, the data has to be right. With Xsens as its technology partner, LupoGait relies on scientifically validated, tried-and-tested, high-precision sensor technology – for diagnostics you can rely on.

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