Posted in December 2009

Nissan EPORO robot mimics fish behavior

Posted on 4 December, 2009

Nissan exhibited a group of six EPORO robots at the CEATEC JAPAN 2009 trade show near Tokyo in October

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has developed a miniature robot car that acts like a fish by traveling in groups and avoiding collisions with obstacles and other cars.

Named "EPORO", the autonomous robots are programmed to emulate the schooling behavior of fish by following three basic rules: (1) avoid collisions with other robots by changing directions if necessary, (2) travel side-by-side with other robots by matching their speed and maintaining a certain distance, and (3) gain closer proximity to other robots that are at a distance.

The robots, which are part of Nissan's ongoing research to develop collision-free vehicles, rely on laser range finders and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to perceive their environment and determine distances to objects, and they communicate position data to each other to form the most efficient group formation to maneuver through tight spots.

Nissan ultimately aims to incorporate EPORO's collision-avoidance technology into passenger cars to improve safety and environmental performance while reducing traffic jams.

Links:
- Nissan EPORO Robot Car "Goes to School" on Collision-free Driving by Mimicking fish Behavior [Nissan press release]