A researcher at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has developed palm-sized robots that mimic the characteristics of bats to enhance search and rescue missions in challenging terrains. Nitin J. Sanket and his team have engineered these small flying robots to utilize ultrasound technology, similar to bats, enabling them to navigate through harsh conditions with precision.
These robots leverage AI algorithms to filter out extraneous noise from the ultrasound signals they receive, allowing them to detect obstacles within a two-meter radius. Sanket emphasized the potential of these drones in search and rescue operations, highlighting their agility and speed in covering vast areas quickly.
Sanket’s interest in aerial robots and drones, rooted in his fascination with biology, led him to explore how biological principles could be harnessed to create efficient machines. His prior work on a robotic beehive aimed at pollinating flowers transitioned into a focus on developing biology-inspired robots for immediate practical applications.
By drawing inspiration from nature’s mechanisms, Sanket aims to revolutionize the field of robotics, particularly in aiding critical missions where human intervention may be limited or hazardous.
Source: TechCrunch