Cat Vision technology increases accuracy in challenging environments, paving the way for smarter and more efficient autonomous systems. Korean researchers have developed an advanced vision system for autonomous drones and robots, inspired by the unique structure of cats’ eyes. Using a slit aperture and a reflective layer, this new technology improves visibility in various lighting conditions, contributing to more effective perception and recognition of objects.

Inspired by nature: cat eye

Autonomous systems such as drones, self-driving cars, and robots are increasingly integrated into daily life, but they often have difficulty “seeing” clearly in a variety of conditions, whether it’s bright sunlight, low light, or a busy, cluttered background . It’s amazing how nature can contain solutions.

Cats are known for their impressive vision, both during the day and in the dark. Their eyes are specially adapted: During the day, their vertical slit-like pupils help them focus clearly and reduce glare. At night, these pupils dilate to let more light in, while a reflective layer called the Tapetum lucidum improves night vision, giving the eyes a distinct shine.

Technological Breakthrough: Vision Systems Inspired by Cats

A group of Korean researchers led by Professor Yang Min-song from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) has developed a new vision system using advanced lenses and sensors inspired by cat eyes. The system includes a slit diaphragm, just like a cat’s vertical pupil, which helps filter out unwanted light and focus on important objects. It also uses a special reflective layer, similar to that found in cats’ eyes, that increases visibility in low-light conditions.

This research was recently published in the journal. Science Developments It is a significant advance in machine vision systems, demonstrating advanced object detection and recognition capabilities and positioning it at the forefront of technological breakthroughs in autonomous robotics.

Application and impact of advanced robotic vision

“Robotic cameras often struggle to detect objects in dense or camouflaged backgrounds, especially when lighting conditions change. Our design solves this problem by allowing robots to blur unnecessary details and focus on important objects,” explains Professor Song. This approach has the added benefit of being energy efficient because it relies on lens design rather than intensive computer processing.

This groundbreaking technology is transforming the robotic vision landscape, creating exciting opportunities for real-world applications. The advanced vision system promises to improve the accuracy of drones, security robots and driverless vehicles, allowing them to navigate complex environments and perform tasks with unparalleled precision. “From search and rescue operations to industrial monitoring, these advanced robotic eyes are poised to complement or even replace human efforts in a variety of critical scenarios,” Professor Song emphasizes.