Biomimetic artificial vision device brings colour to perception

This is the claim of Georgia State University researchers whose new type of artificial vision device incorporates a novel vertical stacking architecture that allows for greater depth of colour recognition and scalability on a micro-level. The new research is published in ACS Nano.

“This work is the first step toward our final destination­–to develop a micro-scale camera for microrobots,” said assistant professor of physics Sidong Lei, who led the research. “We illustrate the fundamental principle and feasibility to construct this new type of image sensor with emphasis on miniaturisation.”

Lei’s team was able to lay the groundwork for the biomimetic artificial vision device, which uses synthetic methods to mimic biochemical processes, using na­notechnology.

“It is well-known that more than 80 per cent of the information is captured by vision in research, industry, medication, and our daily life,” he said in a statement. “The ultimate purpose of our research is to develop a micro-scale camera for microrobots that can enter narrow spaces that are intangible by current means, and open up new horizons in medical diagnosis, environmental study, manufacturing, archaeology, and more.”