In a simulation of Mars, a space rover tests a control system with an unusual inspiration: insect brains.
The software was developed by Opteran, a startup based in the UK. But the idea came from researching errors.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield examined the brains of insects. They discovered remarkable neurological efficiency.
The brain of a honey bee, for example, only contains about 1 million neurons. A human brain, on the other hand, has around 86 billion. But the bee spirit's small size belies its impressive power.
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It is capable of complex navigation, obstacle avoidance and communication. It also works with impressive energy efficiency.
The researchers believed that robots could also benefit from these properties. They decided to convert the brain algorithms into software for autonomous machines. They call the concept “natural intelligence.”
In 2019, they founded Opteran to commercialize the research. The startup soon realized that space was an ideal environment for the technology.
The software leverages over a decade of research into animal and insect vision. Photo credit: Opteran
Natural intelligence in space
Today's spacecraft are often cumbersome machines. It can take minutes for multiple cameras to capture their surroundings before making any move.
Opteran's system promises to reduce this to milliseconds. “It is uniquely capable of operating at the smallest size, lightest weight and with extremely low power consumption,” David Rajan, CEO and co-founder of the startup, told TNW.
The software, called Opteran Mind, provides zero-latency visual depth perception. After installation, vehicles can Navigate continuously without the need for extensive data or training.
The technology also minimizes power consumption and eliminates the need for heavy tools such as gimbal-based pan-tilt cameras. This would allow rovers to travel further and at higher speeds without human intervention.
These capabilities caught the attention of Airbus Defense and Space. The company is now testing the software in rovers at the Airbus Mars Yard, a simulated Martian environment.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the British Space Agency support the project. After initial testing, their focus will shift to deployment and commercialization.
However, for Opteran, space is just one frontier on the roadmap.
“Our goal is to integrate an Opteran spirit into every machine, underground in mines, on the ground, in the air and off-world,” Rajan said, “so that they can operate as efficiently and freely as natural creatures. “
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