Insect-inspired visual navigation for flying robots

Abstract

This paper discusses the implementation of insect-inspired visual navigation strategies in flying robots, in particular focusing on the impact of changing height. We start by assessing the information available at different heights for visual homing in natural environments, comparing results from an open environment against one where trees and bushes are closer to the camera. We then test a route following algorithm using a gantry robot and show that a robot would be able to successfully navigate a route at a variety of heights using images saved at a different height.