TECHNOLOGY
Drones could use ‘robotic cat’s eyes’ to track targets more precisely
WORDS KEUMARS AFIFI-SABET
The system includes a slit-like aperture to filter out unnecessary light and single out key objects, then uses reflective layers like those found in cats’ eyes to improve visibility
A new computer vision system inspired by cats’ eyes could enable robots to see the world around them more accurately than ever before. Robots, drones, self-driving cars and other autonomous systems are becoming more common, but they still struggle to see well in all environments and conditions. For example, self-driving cars perform poorly in rain or fog because these conditions affect the car’s sensors and cameras. Now, scientists have designed a new vision system that uses advanced lenses and sensors modelled on the structure of a feline’s eye, leading to enhanced object detection and recognition.