Seeing in the dark with artificial bats

Abstract

We are providing a simulation model of the echolocation phenomenon and biological sonar of bats during night flight. Our simulations are based on stationary or mobile obstacle avoidance and prey recognition (moths) by the artificial bats. Echolocation is the navigation system adopted by bats, dolphins, killer whales, as well as the majority of autonomous mobile robots (AMR). To begin with, we will give a detailed description of our model’s sonar configuration. We will then present our artificial biotope I NetFreeFly inside which our bats manoeuvre in relation to a specific scenario. This biotope allows the study of bat behaviour during the phases of form recognition, obstacle avoidance, and prey capture. Lastly, we will describe the modelling of a memorisation circuit of sensory expressions based on feedback and association of sensory phenomena. This circuit reinforces the mental representation of acoustic images coming from the aural perception of a bat model.