New robot brain takes to the skies

December 23, 2003 | Source: ABC Science Online

“Mantis,” the world’s first small robotic helicopter that can see and think for itself, is based in part on the workings of the human inner ear.

Mantis uses an inertial sensing system and computer vision system to guide the aircraft and provide flight stability. The robot’s two cameras and software detect where objects are and how fast the Mantis is moving relative to objects around it.

Applications include inspecting sites as part of bushfire-prevention strategies, searching the ocean to speed up sea-rescue efforts, for high-risk areas where infrastructure damage poses a threat to humans, traffic monitoring, security and military applications, and inspecting and reporting faults in high-rise building facades or underneath bridges.