Locust-inspired vision for car sensors
01 Mar 2013
Scientists from the Newcastle and Lincoln Universities have created a computerised system, which allows for an autonomous navigation of mobile robots based on the locust's unique visual system.
The work could provide the blueprint for the development of highly accurate vehicle collision sensors, according to the research.
Locusts have a distinctive way of processing information through electrical and chemical signals, giving them an extremely fast and accurate warning system for impending collisions.
The insect has incredibly powerful data processing systems built into their biology, which can in theory be recreated in robotics.
Inspired by the visual processing power built into these insects' biology, Dr Claire Rind from Newcastle University's Institute of Neuroscience and Professor Shigang Yue from the University of Lincoln's School of Computer Science have created a computerised system which allows for the autonomous navigation of mobile robots.
Their findings, which will inform future developments in collision sensors for cars, surveillance technology and video games, are published today in the International Journal of Advanced Mechatronic Systems.
