Scientists and roboticists have long looked at nature for inspiration to develop new features for machines. In this case, researchers from the University of Toronto were inspired by bats and other animals that rely on echolocation to design a method that would give small robots that ability to navigate themselves — one that doesn't need expensive hardware or components too large or too heavy for tiny machines. In fact, according to PopSci, the team only used the integrated audio hardware of an interactive puck robot and built an audio extension deck using cheap mic and speakers for a tiny flying drone that can fit in the palm of your hand.
The system works just like bat echolocation. It was designed to emit sounds across frequencies, which a robot's microphone then picks up as they bounce off walls. An algorithm that team created then goes to work to analyze sound waves and create a map with the room's dimensions.
In the researchers' paper published in IEEE Robotics and…
2023-02-04 05:39:53
Source from www.engadget.com Emerging research suggests that echolocation, a technique used by some animals such as bats, whales, and dolphins, could revolutionize the technology used to locate lost people. With the ability to emit precise sound waves and detect reflections to gauge distance, echolocation could give small robots, or autonomous agents, a new ability to search for missing persons.
One of the major problems with current search and rescue operations is that they are labor-intensive and costly, especially when searching in areas with rugged terrain or challenging environments such as oceans, deserts, and urban areas. Autonomous robots, AI-powered tools, and unmanned vehicles are key to reducing rescue costs and improving the safety and accuracy of search techniques, and echolocation is helping to bridge the gap.
Echolocation works by emitting a sound and measuring the length of time it takes for the wave to reflect off an object. This process, called wave time-of-flight, can be used to identify objects in a scene, as well as their size and distance. This can be particularly valuable in search and rescue operations, as it can allow autonomous agents to detect people amidst difficult terrain and obstacles.
In addition to wave time-of-flight, echolocation can also be used to create a 3-dimensional map of the environment, which can be used to identify paths and objects within the search area. By understanding the environment better, these robots can then begin to narrow down the search area, leading to a more efficient search.
Echolocation could also be used to reduce the risk to dangerous search areas, as robots can explore without putting human search and rescuers at risk. Robots equipped with echolocation technology can reach areas that are too dangerous for humans, reducing the need to use potentially risky tactics such as rappelling or entering unstable structures.
The potential of echolocation in search and rescue operations is vast, and researchers are currently exploring the ways in which this technology can be used to help find missing people. By equipping small robots with the ability to detect sound reflections, autonomous agents can be used to reduce costs and risk while improving the accuracy and efficiency of search missions.