A revolutionary computer vision system, inspired by the structure of feline eyes, could redefine the capabilities of drones and military robots in challenging environments. Designed to improve target tracking in low-visibility conditions, this new system integrates advanced lenses and sensors that mimic a cat’s eye structure—an innovation expected to benefit a range of autonomous technologies, from drones to self-driving cars.
Cats have a unique ability to see clearly in both light and dark conditions, thanks to their vertical slit pupils and the reflective tapetum lucidum layer in their eyes. This reflective layer enhances night vision by bouncing light back through the retina, providing more illumination for photoreceptors. The new vision system employs a similar slit-like aperture to filter out excess light in bright conditions, while the reflective layers improve visibility in low light. The result is a robotic “cat’s eye” that enables drones to detect and focus on key objects with remarkable accuracy, even in adverse weather or darkness.
This bio-inspired approach could lead to safer and more effective use of autonomous systems across various industries, including aviation, defence, and transportation. As outlined in Science Advances, the system’s enhanced object detection could solve visibility issues that have long hindered robotic applications in dynamic or unpredictable settings.
