Swarming locusts inspire new collision detector

Physics World  September 7, 2020
Collision avoidance models based on image processing algorithms have been implemented using analogue very-large-scale-integration designs, but none is as efficient as this neuron in terms of energy consumption or size. The lobula giant movement detector (LGMD) neuron in locusts can detect an approaching object and prevent collisions within a swarm of millions of locusts. This single neuronal cell performs nonlinear mathematical operations on visual stimuli to elicit an escape response with minimal energy expenditure. An international team of researchers (USA – Pennsylvania State University, India) developed a nanoscale collision detector that mimics the escape response of the LGMD neuron. The detector comprises a monolayer molybdenum disulfide photodetector stacked on top of a non-volatile and programmable floating-gate memory architecture. It consumes a small amount of energy and has a small device footprint…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE

Collision avoidance: mimicking a neuron in locusts has allowed researchers to create a new collision avoidance system. Credit: Jennifer M McCann/Penn State

Posted in Collision avoidance and tagged , .

Leave a Reply