Bioinspired sonar reflectors as guiding beacons for autonomous navigation

Artificial landmarks are widely used for autonomous navigation of robots and driverless cars. Landmarks can be simple traffic signs, radar retroreflectors, infrared lights, or barcodes depending on the sensors of the autonomous device. However, for in-air sonar sensors, one of the most applied sensors, artificial landmarks have never been used. Yet, in nature we find perfect examples for sonar landmarks. Bat-pollinated flowers guide and attract bats with acoustically conspicuous floral reflectors, detectable even in cluttered surroundings. We present how landmarks inspired by these floral forms can be used as guiding beacons and even be used as local source of information. Bioinspired landmarks can be very efficient tools, opening doors for new applications of sonar sensors and safer autonomous navigation.

Jaar van publicatie:2020

Trefwoorden:A1 Journal article

BOF-keylabel:ja

BOF-publication weight:6

CSS-citation score:1

Auteurs:International

Authors from:Government

Toegankelijkheid:Open