IMU Error
Autel Robotics Drone
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
IMU Error means the EVO's inertial measurement unit — the sensor that tracks tilt, acceleration, and rotation — is not reading correctly. Calibrate the IMU on a flat surface using the Autel Sky app.
Affected Models
- Autel EVO Nano
- Autel EVO Nano+
- Autel EVO Lite
- Autel EVO Lite+
Common Causes
- Drone powered on at an angle rather than on a flat surface
- Firmware update resetting IMU calibration data
- Crash or hard landing jarring the IMU
- Extreme temperature change causing IMU drift
How to Fix It
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Power off the drone and place it on a perfectly flat, hard surface.
A kitchen counter or tile floor works well. Do not calibrate on grass, carpet, or a car bonnet — these surfaces flex and introduce errors.
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Power on the drone and open Autel Sky.
Let the drone sit still for 30 seconds after powering on before starting calibration. The IMU needs to reach thermal equilibrium.
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Navigate to Autel Sky → Settings → IMU Calibration.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The calibration process asks you to place the drone in several orientations — flat, on each side, upside down.
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Keep the drone completely still throughout calibration.
Any movement during calibration invalidates the process. Do not touch the drone once each calibration step begins.
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If IMU error persists after calibration, update the firmware.
Connect to Autel Sky and check for firmware updates. A firmware bug can cause persistent IMU errors that a factory re-flash resolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IMU calibration the same as compass calibration?
No. They are different sensors. Compass calibration corrects for magnetic field orientation. IMU calibration corrects the accelerometer and gyroscope that measure tilt and motion. Both may be needed after a firmware update.
Can a crash cause a permanent IMU fault?
Hard impacts can physically damage the IMU chip. If calibration does not clear the error after a crash, the IMU board may need replacement. Contact Autel Robotics support.