Animal brains use less data and energy compared to current deep neural networks running on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). This makes it hard to develop tiny autonomous drones, which are too small and light for heavy hardware and big batteries. Recently, the emergence of neuromorphic processors that mimic how brains function has made it possible for researchers from Delft University of Technology to develop a drone that uses neuromorphic vision and control for autonomous flight. The results are very promising: during flight the drone’s deep neural network processes data up to 64 times faster and consumes three times less energy than when running on a GPU. Further developments of this technology may enable the leap for drones to become as small, agile, and smart as flying insects or birds.
Scientific article:
“Fully neuromorphic vision and control for autonomous drone flight”, F. Paredes-Vallés, J.J. Hagenaars, J. Dupeyroux, S. Stroobants, Y. Xu, G.C.H.E. de Croon, Science Robotics, May 15, 2024.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/s...