Engineering Tomorrow’s Systems

Bear Metal OÜ is an experienced systems integrator specializing in high-volume, low-latency data streaming, communications infrastructure, edge computing, hardware design, and embedded development.

We help unlock tactical, near-real-time data streams from decentralized edge devices and vehicles to fuel deconfliction, reconfiguration, Machine Learning, and AI, while ensuring interoperability with regulatory frameworks.

Known for implementing large-scale, mission-critical systems in Commerce and Automotive, we are expanding into Unmanned Vehicle Technologies. We develop secure, compliant, vertically integrated autonomous solutions for Europe while maintaining our commitment to reliability and innovation.

Products

Karu VMU

Name: Karu VMU
Brand: Bear Metal OÜ
Availability: InStock

Beast Mode engaged: High-Performance, High-Security

Karu VMU is a Pixhawk 6X-RT based vehicle management unit. It utilizes the NXP i.MX RT1176 crossover processor for 1GHz processing power, industrial-grade hardware security, and triple-redundant sensing.

Run multiple Kalman Filters, Higher-rate control loops, More detailed logging without dropouts

The Karu VMU manual covers mounting, wiring, ports and firmware setup.

Key Performance Highlights

Unrivaled Processing Power: The NXP i.MX RT1176 Crossover MCU offers dual cores (1GHz ARM Cortex-M7 + 400MHz ARM Cortex-M4) for application-processor throughput with real-time reliability.
Mission-Critical Security: Integrated NXP EdgeLock SE052 secure element (CC EAL 6+ certified, FIPS 140-3) securely stores critical data and ensures authentic firmware execution against cyber threats.
Built-in 100BASE-T1 (100Mbps) Ethernet enables high-bandwidth communication with onboard mission computers (AI, CV, Edge Computing).
Integrated heater for harsh environments.

Pixhawk v6X-RT enhancements

Karu VMU replaces the standard's SE051C secure element with the NXP EdgeLock SE052F, which is FIPS 140-3 certified and has a PX4 driver module.

Technical Specifications

Full sensor set revision 3 compatibility (FMU, VMU)

Component	Specification
Main Processor	NXP i.MX RT1176 (M7 @ 1GHz, M4 @ 400MHz)
Memory	2MB RAM, 64MB External Flash
Secure Element	NXP EdgeLock SE052F (CC EAL 6+ / IEC62443-4-2, FIPS 140-3)
IMU	Triple: IMU 2x ICM-45686 + 1x BMI088
Barometer	Dual BMP390
Magnetometer	BMM350

Mechanical Data

Feature	VMU Module	Full assembly: VMU + baseboard
Dimensions	38.8mm x 31.8mm x 14.6mm	51.6mm x 96.26mm x 22.33mm
Weight	23.7g	70g

Safety & Reliability

Three completely isolated sensor domains with separate buses and power control provide triple redundancy, eliminating single points of failure.
New internal mechanical isolation filters high-frequency noise for precise attitude estimation in high-vibration airframes.
Industrial Operating Range: designed for -40°C to 85°C.

Interfaces & Connectivity

12 PWM outputs (8 with DShot), 4 serial ports, 2 GPS ports, 3 CAN buses, 100BASE-T1 Ethernet, SPI, I2C and RC input, on the Pixhawk Autopilot Bus 100-pin and 50-pin connectors of the Pixhawk 6X-RT Standard.

Pinouts and connector details are in the Karu VMU manual.