Target tracking in the natural world: From neurons and behavior to modelling

Abstract

propose to investigate the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying the exquisite ability of hoverflies to detect moving targets in visual clutter, despite being equipped with small brains and low resolution eyes. In particular, my team will investigate the influence that visual temporal and spatial statistics have on neural and behavioral responses to target motion. Visual target detection in visual clutter is an important problem to address, as insects do this with small hardware (they are equipped with low resolution eyes and small brains), in rapidly changing settings where computer algorithms still struggle. The findings can thus be used to develop biomimetic algorithms that are smarter and more adaptable than those used today, and could therefore have an impact on the future development of drones and unmanned vehicles. Furthermore, the project is interesting from a general neuroscience point of view as it will inform us about the mechanisms underlying sensory selectivity, with potential implications for other sensory systems.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jan 14, 2022
Source ID
FA95501910294

Entities

People

  • Karin Nordström

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Flinders University
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Readers

  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - Autonomous System Control
  • Biotechnology