|
Vision-based
techniques derived from insects will enable negotiation through
a near-field environment of relatively large obstacles. Bat-inspired
echolocation sensors will be used for active sensing of imminent
collisions. These sensing techniques will be integrated with
Aurora-developed navigation and maneuvering strategies to create
a highly sensitive, robust, autonomous system in a package suitable
for the low size, weight and power constraints that are inherent
to MAVs. "The technology that Aurora will develop under
this SBIR [Small Business Innovation Research] will allow MAVs
to robustly navigate through very complex and cluttered environments"
explains Dr. Thomas Vaneck, Aurora's Vice President of Research
and Development.
Safe navigation through urban environments requires the ability
to avoid both stationary objects (such as buildings, wires,
poles and trees) and moving objects (such as cars, trucks and
people). Each obstacle may present a different potential danger
to the MAV, and must be dealt with accordingly. Since buildings
and other urban obstructions often limit or completely block
communications between the MAV and the ground troops, the MAV
must have the onboard capability to autonomously navigate the
hazards. Such a capability would allow MAVs to look under objects
that might be blocked from view from up above, look in windows
or doors, or simply view things from a different, more advantageous
perspective.
Aurora is partnering with Professor Sean
Humbert and Professor Timothy
Horiuchi, both of the University of Maryland, leveraging
their expertise in bio-inspired sensing to create the technology
that will allow MAVs to traverse urban areas without collision.
This capability will enable unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct
military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
missions in environments in which enemy forces, assets, and
activities are hidden or obscured.
|
