Locust brain inspires robot navigation system

The work could provide the blueprint for the development of highly accurate vehicle collision sensors, surveillance technology and even aid video game programming, according to the research published this week.

Locusts are said to have a distinctive way of processing information through electrical and chemical signals, giving them a fast and accurate warning system for impending collisions. The insects also possess powerful data processing systems built into their biology, which can in theory be recreated in robotics.

Inspired by the visual processing power built into these insects’ biology, Prof Shigang Yue from Lincoln University’s School of Computer Science and Dr Claire Rind from Newcastle University’s Institute of Neuroscience created the computerised system.

Their findings are published in the International Journal of Advanced Mechatronic Systems.

The research started by understanding the anatomy, responses and development of the circuits in the locust brain that allow it to detect approaching objects and avoid them when in flight or on the ground.