The basic gyroscope components consist of at least three rings in descending sizes. In the middle is a spinning wheel. Each ring spins in a different direction, but maintains a parallel orientation to the ring that is inside of it. The rings follow a concept in physics known as the angular momentum conservation. This concept is used to measure and maintain orientation in a number of applications. Usually, a computerized component will measure the rings' orientations and communicate data to the machine to properly balance itself.
Though gyroscopes use the same basic gyroscope components and mechanisms, there are many types of gyroscopes that are specific to their uses. Fiber optic gyroscopes use light interference that is passed through fiber optics to determine orientation. They can be used for many purposes, including measuring underwater properties of the ocean. Vibrating structure gyroscopes are gyroscopes that use vibrations of their internal rings to measure orientation and balance. These are often used because they are less expensive.
No matter what form the gyroscope takes, there is a vast array of devices that employ the internal gyroscope. Airplanes use gyroscopes for their autopilot function, which balances out the plane by itself without pilot input. Compasses use a gyroscope device as well, which always orients itself to point to the north. There is also a motorcycle that was introduced in 2008 that has a gyroscope and is able to self balance. The motorcycle is unique because it balances on one tire and drives by the simple leaning of the driver.
Smart phones also use gyroscope technology for certain applications. There are phones in which a compass application can be downloaded and uses the same technology as the traditional compass. Video game consoles that use motion detection have gyroscope technology that accurately depicts motion on the television screen. The gyroscope technology has had an increasing presence in technology overall.
