Robots that can see around corners using radio signals and AI (www.seas.upenn.edu)

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed HoloRadar, an innovative system that allows robots to see around corners using radio waves and AI technology. This groundbreaking capability can significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles and robots operating in complex environments, such as warehouses and factories. Unlike previous non-line-of-sight systems that relied on visible light and faced challenges in poor lighting, HoloRadar utilizes the longer wavelengths of radio signals, effectively transforming walls and other surfaces into mirrors that reflect useful information about hidden areas. The system's key advancement lies in its unique combination of machine learning and physics-based modeling, which enables the precise reconstruction of 3D scenes from radio wave reflections. By effectively distinguishing between direct and indirect reflections, HoloRadar allows robots to identify objects and navigate their surroundings more safely. Tested in real indoor environments, the system successfully captured detailed information from areas outside the robot's direct line of sight. Future applications are expected to extend outdoors, where navigating dynamic environments presents further challenges. This research marks a significant step towards developing machines that can better understand and interact with the complex, everyday environments humans encounter.