Robotic Engineers at the University of Bristol in the UK have created a robot that senses its environment using whiskers. This innovative robot is designed for search and rescue attempts when vision is impaired in mines or smoky rooms. Check out the video after the jump.
The Sratchbot has 18 whiskers which move back and forth 5 times a second to help it adjust to its environment as quickly as possible.
How the Whisker Technology Works
When a whisker bends, a sensor on its shaft signals software to orient the ’bot toward the object. Whiskers close to an object move less, while those farther away make wide, sweeping motions to establish the object’s exact edges.
The whisker technology mimics the sensory capabilities of animals such as rats and cats, which use their whiskers to navigate through tight spaces and detect nearby objects. This bio-inspired approach allows the robot to operate effectively in environments where traditional vision-based systems might fail. For instance, in a smoke-filled room, cameras and laser sensors can be rendered useless, but whiskers can still provide reliable feedback.
Applications and Future Developments
The potential applications for this technology are vast. Beyond search and rescue missions, whisker-equipped robots could be used in various industrial settings where visibility is compromised. For example, they could navigate through pipelines, inspect hazardous environments, or even assist in underwater exploration where light is limited.
Moreover, the development of whisker technology opens up new avenues for enhancing the autonomy of robots. By integrating this sensory system with advanced AI algorithms, robots could become more adept at making real-time decisions based on tactile feedback. This could lead to more sophisticated robots capable of performing complex tasks in unpredictable environments.
The research team at the University of Bristol is continually working on refining the whisker technology. Future iterations of the Sratchbot may include more sensitive whiskers, faster processing speeds, and improved algorithms for better environmental mapping. Additionally, there is ongoing research into combining whisker sensors with other sensory modalities, such as auditory and olfactory sensors, to create multi-sensory robots that can operate in even more challenging conditions.
Via MAKE
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