Shape and behavior often become the inspiration for researchers or engineers. Finally, Nissan develop the future mobility which inspired by beetles and fish. "Studying the behavior of animals moving in groups help engineers understand how a vehicle can interact with each other for the driving environment more safely and more efficiently," said Toru Futami, Nissan's engineering director of advanced technology and research. Research and development on the Nissan aims for future cars could be avoid accidents. And they are studying fish behavior patterns.
Nissan EPORO autonomous robots. (Picture from: http://www.motorauthority.com/) |
They created 6 of EPORO (EPisode O RObot) that utilizes the Laser Range Finder (LRF) and other advanced technologies. The robot was inspired by a beetle compound eyes that can see 300 degrees. The six of robots can communicate among them to monitor their positions to avoid the collision. Their personal communication allow them to walk side by side or alone, as the fish are swimming.
"Currently regulations states that the car must be running in the lane and stop when the lights stopped flashing, when the cars were moving autonomously we do not need lanes and signals," added Futami.
LRF can sense obstacles that are in front of 180 degrees and as far as 2 meters. Before developing EPORO, Nissan and Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology University of Tokyo created Biometric Car Robot Drive, or BR23C which has the ability to avoid collisions like bees. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN | MOTOR AUTHORITY]
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