What is the primary objective of multi-sensor fusion in integrated navigation?

• A. To improve robustness and accuracy by combining INS, GNSS, and other sensors.
• B. Increase complexity without benefit.
• C. Rely solely on one sensor.
• D. To slow down processing.

Answer: (C)

Multi-sensor fusion is about improving the navigation solution by combining data from multiple sensors to use their complementary strengths. In integrated navigation, INS gives high-rate, short-term motion information but drifts over time, while GNSS provides accurate absolute position over longer periods but can be degraded by signal loss, multipath, or jamming. By blending these measurements (and possibly other sensors) through a state estimator, the system can maintain high accuracy even when one sensor is not performing perfectly. The result is greater robustness and precision than relying on a single sensor alone. The idea behind the other options is to contrast with this goal: adding unnecessary complexity without benefit, sticking to one sensor, or slowing down processing would not align with the purpose of sensor fusion.