Penn State researchers developing insect-inspired autonomous drone technology

AI-summarized · Neutrality-checked

A team led by Penn State engineering science professor Saptarshi Das initiated a $12 million research project, funded by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, to develop autonomous drone technology inspired by insect and animal neural systems. The researchers aimed to build onboard sensing systems using analogue computing, graphene-based components, and memristors to filter information without relying on cloud-based processing. By mimicking biological mechanisms like coincidence-detecting neurons and cochlea-inspired filtering, the project sought to enable drones to process signals locally while consuming less power.

Consequences

The development of this technology could enable autonomous drones to operate effectively in remote locations where communication signals are unavailable or where data transmission might compromise their position. Over the course of the project, annual demonstrations are expected to transition from individual prototypes toward the deployment of larger drone swarms.

Sources

Know where. Know why.