Bio-inspired engineering for the exploration of remote worlds

The Dynamic Stereoscopic Long Range System (DSLRS) has been developed to offer an engineering perspective on the behavior of herds and flocks of animals for bio-inspired engineering applications. The system provides the relative spacing and velocity of each member within a herd or flock. The DSLRS employs two fixed cameras which simultaneously capture stereoscopic image pairs. These image pairs are analyzed using automated software algorithms developed in this work to produce spacing data up to a range of 350 meters. Eventually, the spacing and velocity data acquired by the DSLRS will aid in the development of a control algorithm for robotic swarms based on biological behavior. A control algorithm for automated robotic swarm operation will reduce or eliminate the human element in the control loop. For instance, estimates for the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation show that continuous, human-in-the-loop space operations from the ground costs up to 85 percent of the overall budget for the GPS space mission architecture. An intelligent system, with the ability to assess situations and react based on biological instincts, may address a critical need in autonomous operations. The DSLRS is a first step in understanding herd and flock behavior from an engineering perspective in an attempt to provide the necessary level of fidelity to develop bio-inspired control algorithms.