For the first time, Australian researchers have reverse engineered the visual systems of hoverflies to detect drones’ acoustic signatures from almost four kilometers away.

Figure 1. Hoverfly brains mapped to detect the sound of distant drones

Figure 1 shows bio-vision processing has been shown to greatly increase the detection range of drones in both visual and infrared data," says Anthony Finn, professor of autonomous systems at the University of South Australia. "However, we have now shown we can pick up clear and crisp acoustic signatures of drones, including very small and quiet ones, using an algorithm based on the hoverfly’s visual system." [2]

"The impact of UAVs in modern warfare is also becoming evident during the war in Ukraine, so keeping on top of their location is actually in the national interest. Our research aims to extend the detection range considerably as the use of drones increases in the civilian and military space."

Compared with traditional techniques, bio-inspired processing improved detection ranges by between 30 and 49 per cent, depending on the type of drone and the conditions. [3]

According to the researchers, the findings could aid in combating the expanding global threat presented by IED-carrying drones, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Researchers employed the neurological circuitry of the hoverfly brain to improve and suppress unrelated signals and noise, extending the detection range for the sounds they wished to detect by transforming auditory data into two-dimensional ‘pictures’ (called spectrograms).

The financing partially supports technology solutions to address the weaponization of drones, which are currently among the most lethal weapons in modern warfare, killing or injuring over 3000 enemy soldiers in Afghanistan and are being used in the current conflict in Ukraine.[4]

References:

1. https://techilive.in/hoverfly-brains-mapped-to-detect-sound-of-distant-drones/
2. https://www.hackster.io/news/a-hoverfly-s-brain-serves-as-inspiration-for-an-autonomous-sensor-to-detect-track-drones-by-sound-027e81d60663
3. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220315094954.htm
4. https://assignmentpoint.com/hoverfly-brains-have-been-mapped-to-identify-distant-drones/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Hoverfly brains mapped to detect the sound of distant drones, Anatechmaz, pp. 74