London - Scientists have created a robot that can see with the eye of a fly, it was disclosed yesterday. As anyone who has tried to swat one will know, flies are extremely good at detecting movement.
The robot, produced at the Laboratory for Neurocybernetics in the French city of Marseille, reacts to visual stimulus the same way. Professor Nicholas Franceschini, research director at the laboratory, led a team which succeeded in copying electronically the pattern of neurones that allows a fly to see.
The technology behind the robot is said to have many potential uses, especially in the field of travel. Guidance systems for the blind could be produced and Professor Franceschini predicts the development of an anti-collision car which would be able to drive itself.