Could Robots See Like Cats? New Tech Promises Feline-Inspired Vision

GIST Researchers Develop Cat's Eye-Inspired Vision System for Autonomous Robotics

Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), led by Professor Young Min Song, have developed an innovative vision system inspired by feline eyes, designed to enhance object detection in varying lighting conditions. This breakthrough technology significantly improves the performance of single-lens cameras used in autonomous systems such as drones, self-driving cars, and robots.

The new system mimics the unique capabilities of cat eyes, which are adapted to excel in both bright and low-light environments. Cats’ vertical slit-shaped pupils reduce glare in daylight, while a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum boosts night vision by reflecting light. Similarly, the GIST-developed system features a slit-like aperture to filter unnecessary light and a reflective layer that enhances visibility in dim conditions. This design enables better focus on key objects and minimizes the need for heavy computational processing, making it highly energy-efficient.

Published in Science Advances on September 18, 2024, the research represents a significant step forward in robotic vision. “Our system allows robots to filter out unimportant details and focus on essential objects, even in complex and dynamic environments,” explains Professor Song.

This technology promises real-world applications across various fields, including search-and-rescue missions, industrial monitoring, and autonomous navigation. By improving precision and adaptability, it can transform how robots perform tasks in challenging environments.