Dual-purpose interpretation of sensory information

Fully autonomous mobile robots often rely on an array of sensors to provide them with an adequate picture of their environment. Furthermore, these systems tend to have strict limitations in terms of available processing capability. Hence the so-called “smart sensing” approach is particularly appropriate as it combines a small size with a reduced requirement for interpretation of sensory input. This paper describes how a visual micro-sensor implemented in VLSI can be used for obstacle avoidance as well as localised path planning or navigation