The researchers presented a miniaturerobotic backpack with a controlled wireless camera that can transmit video at a speed of 1 to 5 frames per second and rotate 60 degrees.
Regular small cameras, such as those found in smartphones,Can take wide-angle, high-resolution photos, but consume a lot of power to shoot, so they can't work without a massive battery. A team of scientists from the University of Washington decided to use the principles of insect vision to achieve high enough qualitywith minimal power consumption.
The engineers took a black and white camera weighing 250 mg withsmall resolution and fixed it on a mechanical arm. This allows not only to move it, but also to obtain a wide-angle view with minimal energy consumption. The entire system is controlled via Bluetooth from a smartphone at a distance of up to 120 m. In addition, the built-in accelerometer activates recording only when moving, which allows the camera to work up to six hours on a single charge.
During the tests, the team attached the system to the backs of beetles, which could move freely with it, climb a slope and even climb trees.
According to the developers, such devices can help in the study of wildlife or hard-to-reach places. However, the technology also poses new privacy threats.
We also previously reported on the development of a focusless camera with a new flat lens.
text: Ilya Bauer, photo and video: Mark Stone / University of Washington
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