Aerodynamic imaging by mosquitoes inspires a surface detector for autonomous flying vehicles

作者：Toshiyuki Nakata, Nathan Phillips, Patrício Simões, Ian J. Russell, Jorn A. Cheney, Simon M. Walker, Richard J. Bomphrey · 发表于：Science · 年份：2020 · DOI：10.1126/science.aaz9634 · 被引用次数：73 · 研究领域：Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms、Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research、Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior

Some flying animals use active sensing to perceive and avoid obstacles. Nocturnal mosquitoes exhibit a behavioral response to divert away from surfaces when vision is unavailable, indicating a short-range, mechanosensory collision-avoidance mechanism. We suggest that this behavior is mediated by perceiving modulations of their self-induced airflow patterns as they enter a ground or wall effect. We used computational fluid dynamics simulations of low-altitude and near-wall flights based on in vivo high-speed kinematic measurements to quantify changes in the self-generated pressure and velocity cues at the sensitive mechanosensory antennae. We validated the principle that encoding aerodynamic information can enable collision avoidance by developing a quadcopter with a sensory system inspired by the mosquito. Such low-power sensing systems have major potential for future use in safer rotorcraft control systems.