Tiny insect drones could be useful for disaster-area surveillance or delivering supplies to people in accessible places. But the technology is still new, and they run a high risk of running into each other in confined spaces.
Now researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have created an artificial eye and navigation system for these drones based on insects’ vision, according to a study published recently in The Royal Society Interface.
This isn’t the first attempt to put streamlined insect-inspired sensors into drones, but it’s the first time it’s been done for such tiny drones (others have tried to hook them up with bulky digital cameras). Insect-style vision works well for drones because it doesn’t have very high resolution, but it is highly sensitive to objects’ movement or changes in how light is reflected—perfect for maneuvering drones through small spaces with lots of obstacles.
Since they have already developed the algorithms and design of the photosensor, the researchers plan to configure several artificial eyes on one drone to create a more sophisticated visual system, allowing it to take off, land, and stabilize its flying position while in the air. They also plan to develop a strip of artificial eyes into “vision tape,” a flexible patch that can be attached to any type of surface, such as other types of robots or even furniture or clothing.
The key stakeholders of this project will consist of: Researchers, Governments and Technological companies. This is as once this product has been researched and developed successfully, it will be a very profitable product.
ReplyDeleteThis product would be beneficial for governments, in times of natural disasters or to obtain vital information that may cause harm to the country.
IT systems of this drone involves a webcam (attached to the drone for live viewing), monitor (for users behind screen to know what is going on) and speakers (for users to hear the surroundings).
For the time being, this insect drone does not have a very high resolution. However it is still usable during natural disasters, such as earthquakes as it is highly sensitive to minor object movements. It will greatly assist police/fire departments in saving more lives in a shorter time.
The social and ethical significance would be people and machines. Risk departments can access this tool for usage at any time as it is available for usage 24/7 especially in time of emergence and save more lives. However, the production of this device would be very costly and only a handful of this 'insect-drone' may be purchased.
The drone may also assist governments to obtain private information that may harm the country. Nevertheless, this would not be ethical due to the invasion of privacy despite any reasonings.
The social and ethical significance would be privacy and anonymity. On a positive note, the activities of terrorist or perpetrators of a criminal can be tracked and prevented, making it safer for citizens. In a negative aspect, everyone's activity, public or private is observed and can be tracked, which would lead to the distrust in governments or groups that may lead to a dispute.
Area of application for this insect-drone would include Business, Politics and Environment.