Seals track prey with them, rats sense nearby objects with them and robots could soon be using whiskers in a similar way to see in the dark and avoid obstacles, researchers said on Wednesday.
They developed an array of robotic whiskers that move in any pattern over an object just as they do on living creatures.
"We constructed an array of whiskers that rely on sensing only at the base. As the whiskers move over an object, we can then figure out the object's three dimensional properties," said Professor Mitra Hartmann, of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
"Or instead of the whiskers moving, a fluid can flow against the whiskers and we can figure out the direction and speed of the fluid at different points of the flow," the expert on biomedical and mechanical engineering added in an interview.
Robots could sense shapes with whiskers
Robots Could Sense Shapes With Whiskers
Trend Themes
1. Robotic Whiskers for Sensing - The development of robotic whiskers that can sense three-dimensional properties of objects opens up opportunities for innovative applications in various industries.
2. Dark Vision Technology - The use of whisker-like sensors to enable robots to see in the dark holds potential for disruptive innovation in industries such as surveillance and search and rescue.
3. Fluid Flow Sensing - Using fluid flow against whiskers to determine direction and speed presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in industries like fluid dynamics and environmental monitoring.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - The development of robotic whiskers opens up new possibilities in robotics, enabling advancements in sensing capabilities and navigation.
2. Surveillance - Incorporating dark vision technology using robotic whiskers can revolutionize surveillance systems, enhancing their ability to operate effectively in low-light environments.
3. Search and Rescue - Applying whisker-like sensors to search and rescue robots can improve their ability to perceive objects and navigate through challenging environments, potentially saving lives.