Biologically Inspired Reconfigurable Computer for High-speed Object Avoidance in Small UAVs Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-079 Topic Title: Biologically Inspired Reconfigurable Computer for High-speed Object Avoidance in Small UAVs Proposal No.: N081-079-1337 Firm: EM Photonics, Incorporated 51 East Main Street Suite 203 Newark, Delaware 19711 Contact: Fernando Ortiz Phone: (302) 456-9003 Web Site: www.emphotonics.com Abstract: For this project, we plan to collaborate with researchers in the neuroscience department at the University of Delaware to develop an FPGA-based embedded computer, inspired in the brains small vertebrates (fish). The mechanisms of object detection and avoidance in fish have been extensively studied by our Delaware collaborators. The midbrain optic tectum is a biological multimodal navigation controller capable of receiving input from all senses that convey spatial information, including vision, audition, touch, and lateral-line (water current sensing in fish). Unfortunately, the complexity of these models makes them too slow for real-time implementation. These simulations are run offline in state-of-the-art desktop computers, presenting a gap between the application and the target platform: a low-power embedded device. EM Photonics has expertise in development of high-performance computers based on commodity platforms such as graphic cards (GPUs) and FPGAs. FPGAs offer (1) high computational power, low power consumption and small footprint (in line with typical UAV constraints), and (2) the ability to implement massively-parallel computational architectures, which can be leveraged to closely emulate biological systems. Combining UD's brain modeling algorithms and the power of FPGAs this computer will enable navigation in complex environments, and further types of UAV onboard processing in future applications. Benefits: The primary market for UAV related technology is going to be law enforcement, government military agencies and defense contractors. There are numerous additional groups and applications that will benefit from this technology, including airplane autopilots, boat navigation, `self driving' cars and robotic toys. We intend to initially target government and military customers, as they have the most pressing needs, but will quickly transition this technology to the commercial sector. Return