Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute developed palm-sized flying robots inspired by bats that use ultrasound sensors for navigation in search and rescue missions. The robots employ AI-powered software to filter noise from ultrasound signals, detecting obstacles within a two-meter radius. The team solved the challenge of propeller noise interfering with sensors by mimicking bat biology, using 3D-printed structures that modulate sound waves similar to how bat tissues adapt. The low-power ultrasound sensors from automatic faucets enable compact, energy-efficient designs suitable for navigating harsh conditions like smoke, dust, and extreme weather where human rescuers face danger.
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