Researchers have built a drone that navigates using physical whiskers rather than cameras, GPS, or other conventional sensors. The whiskers are attached to three pressure sensors at their base, and the system is inspired by the vibrissae of mice and other small mammals that feel their way through dark spaces. This lets the drone operate in conditions where optical or satellite-based navigation would fail.
The software required to interpret whisker inputs is extremely compact, at just 34KB, and the entire drone weighs less than 100 grams. Despite the simplicity, the system is capable of sub-millimeter precision, suggesting that touch-based navigation could be a practical complement to existing sensor suites for drones working in smoke-filled buildings, underground tunnels, or dusty disaster sites.