New Generation Robot Cameras Inspired by Cat Eyes Developed
Scientists have designed cameras for robots and UAVs that increase visible light absorption and reduce background clutter by mimicking cat eye anatomy.
Engineers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed next-generation cameras for robots, UAVs, and autonomous devices, inspired by the eye anatomy of cats.
Inspiration from Cat Eye Anatomy
Decades after Percy Shaw invented road studs in 1933, inspired by a cat's eyes reflecting headlights, engineers have begun using cat eye anatomy as an inspiration for robot cameras. Prof. Young Min Song and his team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology initiated a new design process by examining the eye structure of cats in detail.
Increased Light Absorption with Artificial Reflector
Prof. Young Min Song and his team designed new cameras mimicking the tapetum lucidum layer and vertical pupil structure of cats. The research team created an artificial reflector by using silver material behind the image sensor, successfully increasing the camera's visible light absorption by 52 percent.
Background Reduction with Vertical Pupils
In the developed camera technology, the camera aperture was adapted to the vertical pupil shape of cats. Thanks to this adaptation, intense background clutter was effectively reduced without the need for high processing power, significantly increasing the system's efficiency.
Inspiration Process from Different Animal Eyes
Prof. Song and his team expanded their work beyond just the eye structure of cats. In addition to cats, researchers continue to develop special cameras for robotic and UAV systems by drawing inspiration from the eyes of other animals in nature, such as flies, eagles, and jumping spiders.