A fruit fly inspired sensor architecture that can combine wide angle motion detection with chemical sensing for drones and micro-bots.
Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have engineered a 1.5 millimetre artificial compound eye that combines high speed 180 degree vision with an integrated chemical sensing array, enabling robots and micro drones to detect motion and hazardous gases simultaneously. Inspired by the fruit fly, the sensor can pack 1,027 visual units into a compact structure using femtosecond laser two photon polymerization, delivering wide angle perception in an ultra miniaturized format.
The architecture addresses a key limitation in conventional drone cameras, which are often bulky, power intensive and restricted by narrow fields of view that create blind spots. By providing a full 180 degree field of vision, the system allows robots to detect moving objects and obstacles from the front and sides without mechanical head movement. This capability is particularly relevant for search and rescue drones, confined space inspection robots and micro unmanned platforms operating in disaster zones, collapsed buildings or industrial facilities. The dual sensing design also reduces payload weight by combining visual and chemical detection into a single compact module.
Between the micro lenses, engineers integrated hair like setae structures that prevent moisture accumulation and protect the optical surface from dust and debris, improving performance in humid or contaminated environments. In addition to visual sensing, the team incorporated an inkjet printed chemical array that changes colour when exposed to hazardous gases, effectively adding bionic smell capability to the system. The prototype, referred to as the bio CE system, demonstrated wide angle moving target detection and proximity avoidance in miniature robot tests.
While current limitations include lower image resolution, optical distortion from curved lenses and slower chemical response speed compared to visual processing, researchers plan further refinements. The team noted that the system achieves high sensitivity for wide angle detection and proximity avoidance, showing strong potential for unmanned platform navigation and advanced robotic intelligence.
