Bio-inspired robotics
Rapidly approaching objects offer strong stimuli that trigger avoidance mechanisms in many animal species. Parameters such as object size, shape and velocity are perceived by the visual system and processed to estimate the time of collision. These properties have found successful application in visual collision avoidance systems for vehicles and robots. In the visual system of the locust, two distinct neurons, the LGMD and the post-synaptic DCMD are responsible for the insect’s quick response to looming stimuli. Our understanding of the LGMD’s ultrastructure and synaptic connections is mainly with regards to the adult stage; as such, it would be very informative to study the circuitry during the developmental stage. The aim of the EU-funded Neural Development project was to contribute to a better understanding of the looming detection system during locust development. Scientists discovered that LGMD neurons have mature synapses even at the earliest stage of development and that they can serve as detectors of approaching stimuli. Project scientists also researched another type of locust behaviour, the hiding response, which may prove useful for the development of technologies for hazard detection in vehicles over a longer range. Results indicated that the neural pathway involved in the locust hiding response was active throughout development. A major project achievement was the fact that the hiding response could be triggered by using computer-generated stimuli. Neural Development succeeded in unveiling the circuitry behind looming object detection and escape behaviour in locusts during development. This information does not only enhance our basic knowledge on the maturation of such a visual system, but it could form the basis for improving existing collision avoidance technologies.
