Robot eyes
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a new artificial compound eye system, promising significant advances in robotic vision.
By mimicking the visual capabilities of insect compound eyes, the system can enhance navigation and decision-making in robots. This new technology offers a cost-effective solution with sensitivity levels twice that of existing systems.
The artificial compound eye, designed by Professor Zhiyong Fan and his team, utilises a hemispherical perovskite nanowire array imager. This design provides a wide field of view and superior motion-tracking capabilities, addressing previous challenges such as optical and detector component mismatches. The system's high sensitivity and dynamic motion tracking make it ideal for applications in drones, improving tasks like irrigation and emergency rescue operations. The new study, published in the journal Science Robotics, with Dr Yu Zhou, Dr Zhibo Sun, and Yucheng Ding as the co-first authors, may contribute to such areas as autonomous driving safety and intelligent transport systems. The simplicity, lightweight nature, and affordability of the design enable its integration into various robotic platforms, potentially transforming human-robot collaboration.
Fan's work follows his development of the world’s first spherical artificial eye with 3D retina in 2020. The research highlights the potential for further miniaturisation and increased resolution, leading to broader applications in optoelectronics and robotics.