Researchers from the University of South Australia have created an artificial intelligence-based sensor that can help navigate in low-light conditions. This is stated in a study in the journal MDPI.
The inspiration for the development was the dung beetle's ability to navigate at night, using the Milky Way as a reference point. This technology could find applications in drones, robots and even satellites.
Back in 2013, Swedish scientists discovered that dung beetles can navigate in the dark thanks to the bright line of the Milky Way, which helps them stay on course. Although the beetles' eyes cannot distinguish individual stars, the brightness of our Galaxy gives them the reference they need.
To recreate this navigational strategy, engineers mounted a camera on a car. While driving and in the parking lot, the camera filmed the Milky Way. The results showed that even when moving, the Galaxy is almost not blurred in the images, which makes it a reliable reference point.
These images were used to create a computer vision system that is able to determine the position of the Milky Way even in low light and at high speeds. Such a sensor can become an additional method of navigation for satellites, ensuring their stability and accurate positioning. In addition, it can help drones and robots navigate in difficult conditions even in low light.
Engineers now plan to test the system during an autonomous drone flight at night.