Robots see through walls using the Wi-Fi
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed what they call a "system of X-ray vision," which does not work at all in the X, but uses radio waves to the Wi-Fi network. These two robots can identify hidden by the metal barrel concrete surround. They alternate transmission and reception of Wi-Fi that changes are analyzed to determine the position, but also the composition of the object signal. In this image, the red zone perimeter embodied robots not know (unknown volume). © UC Santa Barbara
Imagine robotic vehicles before coming thick concrete walls. They have no knowledge of what is behind, however, are able to see through and detect any object that mask, all with a single sign of Wi-Fi. This technology, called X-ray vision for robots with only WiFi, has developed and patented by a team of researchers from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Allows, even a partition, to identify the objects, their positions, their geometry and also to determine whether a human, an object made of metal or wood. By itself, the technique is not new. A radio imaging method, had already shown in 2009.
Robots equipped with this technology could include navigating the rubble after accidents and natural disasters to search for survivors. The robots work in tandem using an algorithm of simultaneous localization and mapping (English Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, or SLAM) working on the fly. Alternatively, a device on one side of a structure transmits a wireless signal while the other, on the opposite side picks up the signal. Radio waves passing through the unknown area, objects in the same attenuate the signal differently depending on their position and composition.
To see through walls, robots use an algorithm of simultaneous localization and mapping. The image in the center shows the sectional view of the structure. The picture on the right shows what robots do. The percentage represents the number of records in Wi-Fi compared to the total number of unknown pixels. © UC Santa Barbara
All Wi-Fi devices could help them see through walls
By measuring variations with a model of wave propagation the system can assign a content structure and determine where solid objects and spaces. To improve the resolution of the images, the team from the University of California at Santa Barbara with their robots with directional antennas. The system, which can be seen demonstrated in this YouTube video, is not limited to robots. "This technology can be integrated with any Wi-Fi device," the researchers explain. It could be used with a Wi-Fi network and then fixed can be used to control a building or a room to detect intrusions or estimate the number of occupants, for example, adjust the temperature.
Researchers still cite other possible uses for archaeological research or to detect and classify objects without touching a structure. Development work is underway to develop other applications and develop technology. To particularly for associating a laser guidance system for improved accuracy and resolution of space mapping.
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