Flying robot robot

A 6-inch robotic spy plane with bat-like model will collect data from landscapes, sounds and smells in battle zones in the city and transfer information back to soldiers on a system of time. real. It was an idea and the University of Michigan Manufacturing Department was awarded $ 10 million to make it a reality within five years.

University of Michigan researchers will focus on microelectronics. They will develop sensors, communication tools and batteries for ultra-small airplanes assigned to the name ' bat '. Engineers envision small cameras used for stereo vision systems and small detectors to detect nuclear radiation and toxic gases. (Stereo vision is the basic method to measure the 3D position of objects by observing them from two or more cameras located in different positions; helping robots collect 3D depth information, mechanical information. The most difficult problem with stereo vision is to detect the corresponding areas between two (or more than two) images.

A low-power miniature radar and a very sensitive navigation system will help bats find their way in the evening. Energy taken from the sun, wind, vibrations and other sources will recharge the bat's lithium battery. The aircraft will use radio to send back signals to the military.

The engineers envisioned a robotic spy plane with a model like a bat capable of collecting data and sending it back to the soldier in real time.(Photo: Eric Maslowski, University of Michigan)

'All of this is conceptualizing and most of them are the next generation of devices we've developed. We try to develop our technological strengths to functionally achieve the impossible before, ' said Kamal Sarabandi, professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan.

Bats have high adaptive echolocation senses that have good orientation and feel even in the dark. The echolocation allows bats to orient themselves by making sounds and finding echoes.

The body of the bat robot is about 6 inches long, weighs about a quarter of a pound and uses about 1 W of energy.

University of Michigan scientists plan to develop robots based on current technologies. They will study to develop quantum dot solar cells that can double the yield of cells. They expect the automated navigation system they build to allow the robot to adjust its own movements, the system being 1,000 times smaller and more energy-efficient than the systems being used. They believe that it will create a smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient information system than current technologies.

Bat robots are designed to perform surveillance for a short period of time or they can be parked on a corner or building for longer-term tasks and send reports on the activities that take place.

'Through this research, we look forward to technological achievements and have more applications for other technical issues, from medicine to industry,' said Sarabandi.