Bio-inspired visual guidance: From insect homing to UAS navigation

In the context of autonomous navigation, vision has demonstrated its potential in replacing bulkier sensors and achieving multi-tasking, operating as the primary sensor for guidance as well as simultaneously fulfilling other dedicated missions. Vision sensors are of particular interest in aerial navigation where their versatility and light weight simplify the avionics and increase the available payload of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Biological studies provide us with insights into the visual cues by which insects are able to navigate effectively despite their limited brain resources and low resolution eyes, and enable the development of simple, yet efficient navigation techniques for UAS guidance. This paper reviews biological models of insect homing, their subsequent applications into the robotics field, and the extent to which these models have been applied to the guidance of UAS. Suitable methods for autonomous aerial navigation in natural environments are described and the remaining challenges and opportunities for bio-inspired techniques of visual guidance are discussed.