Story perspectives

Bats Inspire AI-Powered Rescue Drones for Safer Missions

11/13/2025

41 10

Summary

Story summary

Nitin J. Sanket, a researcher at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, is developing small flying robots inspired by bats for search and rescue missions.
The robots use AI-powered ultrasound to detect obstacles within a two-meter radius, reducing risks for rescuers.
Sanket's team faces challenges balancing size, cost, and energy efficiency while integrating sensors.
They draw on bat-inspired sound modulation to boost functionality and plan to increase the robots' speed.

1 of 1

Story summary

Nitin J. Sanket, a researcher at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, is developing small flying robots inspired by bats for search and rescue missions.
The robots use AI-powered ultrasound to detect obstacles within a two-meter radius, reducing risks for rescuers.
Sanket's team faces challenges balancing size, cost, and energy efficiency while integrating sensors.
They draw on bat-inspired sound modulation to boost functionality and plan to increase the robots' speed.