Blind Fish Helps Sensors See

Dec-17-12 A sensor system inspired by the blind cave fish could allow autonomous underwater vehicles to navigate more accurately while also eliminating the sonar “pings” that can disturb aquatic animals.

The blind cave fish navigates its terrain by detecting changes in water pressure with a row of hair cells down either side of its body. The new man-made system, from Nanyang Technological University and MIT, features an array of two rows of five sensors each measuring only 1.8 x 1.8 mm. Each sensor contains a hydrogel surrounding a microscopic sensory pillar that flexes with changes in water pressure, much like the hairs of the cave fish. When combined with a computer vision system, the sensor array was able to create 3D images of nearby objects and map the area, allowing the AUV to navigate even in murky water.

The new sensor array also costs below $100 to make, which is significantly more affordable than sonars.

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY]

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