Locust-Based Robotic Vision Technology | Engineering On The Edge

Locust-Based Robotic Vision Technology | Engineering On The Edge: "Scientists from the universities of Lincoln and Newcastle have replicated the way locusts use visual input to keep from flying into things to develop a computer simulated model that could be used in advanced collision avoidance systems for vehicles and in other applications. The simulation has already been used to help a robot autonomously navigate a path using visual input.


The Khepera II robot uses the same visual sensing method that locusts use to avoid collisions.
The technology could potentially be used to develop accurate vehicle collision sensors, surveillance systems, and to improve video game programming, the researchers said.

Why locusts? The insects process information using electrical and chemical signals while in flight, providing a fast, accurate warning system to help avoid collisions.

Prof. Shigang Yue of the University of Lincoln and Dr. Claire Rind of Newcastle University developed a visually stimulated motor control (VSMC) that converts visual information into motor commands. The system was based around the way the locust brain detects approaching objects."

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