Localization software
Transport robots: insights into insect brains enable novel localization method
After ten years of research, Opteran has succeeded in decoding the functions of the insect brain that give it the ability to navigate, avoid collisions and communicate. These were reproduced in the Opteran Mind robot autonomy software.
Instead of using previously recorded maps, as is the case with conventional localization methods, the system uses mechanisms from biology and computer-assisted neuroscience for localization. The company Safelog will integrate the localization software into its mobile robots from 2025.
"Our system is extremely small, lightweight and energy-efficient," explains David Rajan, CEO and co-founder of Opteran Technologies. "And unlike other machine learning approaches, we don't need any data to control a robot."
Instead, Opteran Mind is purely visual software, with no control center, network or training in the background. The solution also requires no additional infrastructure such as magnetic tracks, QR codes or reflectors, which speeds up the start of the project.
Simple and cost-effective approach
The partnership between Safelog and Opteran involves further optimizing Opteran Mind based on the experience gained in the field. "With its approach, Opteran is redefining the localization of mobile robots," says Safelog Managing Director Mathias Behounek, categorizing the technology. "Instead of collecting more and more data, the solution generates almost no data at all. And absolutely basic technologies are enough to operate the system stably. That is impressive."
While other visual SLAM solutions with cameras cost up to 5,000 dollars, or LiDAR SLAMs are offered for around 3,000 dollars, Opteran says it needs a CPU in the price segment below 20 dollars and inexpensive cameras for less than 30 dollars.
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