Purdue Researchers Enable Robots to Achieve Superb Vision Even in Complete Darkness
Introduction:
Purdue University researchers have developed a ground-breaking vision method called HADAR (heat-assisted detection and ranging) that allows robots to see in pitch darkness. HADAR combines thermal physics, infrared imaging, and machine learning to create a fully passive and physics-aware machine perception system. Unlike traditional thermal sensing methods, HADAR can capture detailed texture and depth information from heat radiation, providing a significant advancement in machine perception technology. This innovation fills a gap left by other vision systems such as LiDAR, radar, and sonar, which have limitations in low light or adverse weather conditions. The research team is working to improve the hardware and data collection speed of HADAR for applications in autonomous vehicles and robotics.
Full Article: Purdue Researchers Enable Robots to Achieve Superb Vision Even in Complete Darkness
Robots are now able to see as well in pitch darkness as they can in sunlight, thanks to a new vision method developed by researchers at Purdue University. Called HADAR (heat-assisted detection and ranging), this system combines thermal physics, infrared imaging, and machine learning to create fully passive and physics-aware machine perception.
Traditional thermal sensing methods collect invisible heat radiation from all objects in a scene. While they have advantages over other vision systems like LiDAR, radar, and sonar, they also provide less information and suffer from the “ghosting effect,” where thermal images only show contours and temperature contrast without any features. This loss of information has been a barrier for machine perception using heat radiation.
However, HADAR overcomes this limitation by vividly recovering texture from the cluttered heat signal and accurately disentangling temperature, emissivity, and texture (TeX) of all objects in a scene. It can perceive physical attributes beyond visible imaging or conventional thermal sensing, allowing it to see texture and depth through darkness as if it were daylight.
The research team tested HADAR TeX vision using an off-road nighttime scene and found that it was able to pick up on textures, including fine details like water ripples, bark wrinkles, and culverts. Although the results are promising, there are still improvements to be made in terms of the size and data collection speed of HADAR’s hardware.
The current sensor is large and heavy as it requires multiple colors of invisible infrared radiation. To apply HADAR to self-driving cars or robots, the size and price of the camera need to be reduced, while also increasing its data collection speed. The current sensor takes around one second to create one image, but for autonomous cars, a frame rate of 30 to 60-hertz is needed.
The researchers have disclosed HADAR TeX to the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization, which has applied for a patent on the intellectual property. With further developments, HADAR has the potential to revolutionize machine perception and enable robots to navigate and interact in any lighting condition.
Summary: Purdue Researchers Enable Robots to Achieve Superb Vision Even in Complete Darkness
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a groundbreaking vision technology called HADAR (heat-assisted detection and ranging) that enables robots to see in the dark. Combining thermal physics, infrared imaging, and machine learning, HADAR overcomes the limitations of traditional thermal sensing methods. Unlike LiDAR, radar, and sonar, which emit signals and have scalability issues, and cameras which struggle in low light conditions, HADAR offers fully passive and physics-aware machine perception. The research team is working to improve the size, speed, and cost of the technology to make it suitable for applications such as self-driving cars and robots. A patent for HADAR has been applied for by Purdue’s Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is robotics and why is it important?
Robotics refers to the interdisciplinary field that involves the design, manufacturing, and operation of robots. These are machines programmed to perform various tasks, often with increasing autonomy. Robotics plays a crucial role in numerous industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration, offering advantages like increased efficiency, precision, and safety. Additionally, robotics technology contributes to advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
2. How do robots work?
Robots operate by combining various components and technologies. These typically include mechanical systems for movement, sensors for perception, actuators for executing tasks, and a central processing unit (CPU) that processes information and controls the robot’s actions. Many robots utilize algorithms and software to analyze data, make decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, some advanced robots incorporate machine learning techniques enabling them to improve their performance over time by learning from experience.
3. What are the different types of robots?
There are numerous types of robots tailored for different applications. Some common types include:
– Industrial robots: These are used to automate industrial processes such as assembly, welding, and packaging.
– Collaborative robots: Also known as cobots, these robots are designed to work safely alongside humans, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
– Autonomous robots: These robots are capable of making decisions and performing tasks without external intervention. They are used in various fields like self-driving cars and delivery drones.
– Social robots: These robots are designed to interact and communicate with humans in social settings, such as customer service or caregiving roles.
– Medical robots: These robots are used in healthcare settings for surgeries, rehabilitation, and diagnostics, improving precision and reducing risks.
4. What are the benefits and challenges of using robots?
Some benefits of using robots include increased efficiency, higher productivity, improved precision, reduced errors, and enhanced safety conditions for humans. Moreover, robots can perform repetitive, monotonous, or dangerous tasks, freeing up humans for more complex and creative work. However, there are also challenges in the field of robotics such as high costs of development and maintenance, concerns about job displacement, ethical implications, and the need for comprehensive regulations to ensure safety and security.
5. What is the future of robotics?
The future of robotics is undoubtedly promising. With ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor technology, robots are becoming more intelligent, versatile, and adaptable. This paves the way for increased automation across industries, advancements in healthcare and assistive technologies, and further exploration in space and underwater environments. Additionally, the integration of robotics with other cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality holds great potential for revolutionary applications. Exciting possibilities arise in fields such as autonomous vehicles, personalized robotics, and human-robot collaboration, shaping a world where robots play integral roles in our everyday lives.
