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 […]

Army research enables conversational AI between soldiers, robot

EurekAlert  July 27, 2020 A team of researchers in the US (US Army, University of Southern California) supported by the Army Next Generation Combat Vehicle Army Modernization Priority and the Army Priority Research Area for Autonomy has developed the Joint Understanding and Dialogue Interface (JUDI) which enables bi-directional conversational interactions between soldiers and autonomous systems through bidirectional speech and dialogue in tactical operations. The technology gives the robot the ability to ask for clarification or provide status updates as tasks are completed. The dialogue processing is based on a statistical classification method. JUDI is designed for tasks that require reasoning […]

Voices from DARPA- Episode 28: Swarm Commander

DARPA Outreach  June 11, 2020 In this episode of the Voices from DARPA podcast, the Tactical Technology Office manager delves into robotics and autonomous technology programs – the Subterranean (SubT) Challenge and OFFensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET). From robot soccer to live-fly experimentation programs involving dozens of UASs, how the programs aim to assist humans heading into unknown environments via advances in collaborative autonomy and robotics…read more.