Why a Researcher Is Building Bat-Like Robots

Why a Researcher Is Building Bat-Like Robots

Why a Researcher Is Building Robots That Look and Act Like Bats Search and rescue operations often take place in areas that are dangerous or nearly impossible for humans to navigate. That’s where robots that look and act like bats come in. Inspired by nature, a Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) researcher, Nitin J. Sanket , is developing small, intelligent flying robots that use ultrasound — just like real bats — to detect obstacles and navigate through dark, smoky, or debris-filled environments. These bio-inspired machines could soon revolutionize how we conduct rescue missions worldwide. Image Credits:WPI How Do Bat-Like Robots Work? Sanket’s bat-inspired robots are compact drones powered by AI-driven ultrasound systems . They emit ultrasonic signals and process the returning echoes using advanced algorithms to “see” their surroundings — even in low visibility. By filtering out noise and mapping obstacles within a two-meter radius, these drones move with precision and agility, making …