Robot navigation inspired by principles of insect vision

Abstract

Recent studies of insect visual behaviour and navigation reveal a number of elegant strategies that can be profitably applied to the design of autonomous robots. The peering behaviour of grasshoppers, for example, has inspired the design of new rangefinding systems. The centring response of bees flying through a tunnel has led to simple methods for navigating through corridors. Experimental investigation of the bee's “odometer” has led to the implementation of schemes for visually driven odometry. These and other visually mediated insect behaviours are described along with a number of applications to robot navigation.