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The BIAS project has brought together a consortium of experts in animal acoustics, mathematical and signal processing theory, the design of acoustical transducers, and the implementation of experimental engineering systems. The objective is to harness the acoustic capabilities of biological systems and use these in a range of practical engineering applications and apply to disciplines associated with imaging or detecting the physical properties of objects or materials.
The researchers from NERC British Geological Survey, the Universities of Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Southampton, and Strathclyde and Fortkey Ltd. plan to develop sonar systems that are inspired by those employed by bats and cetaceans (whales, dolphins etc.).
These animals use sound to survive and have greatly superior capabilities to current technology with regard to resolution, object identification and material characterisation. Some bats can resolve some acoustic pulses thousands of times more efficiently than current technology. Dolphins are capable of discriminating different materials based on acoustic energy, again significantly out-performing current detection systems. Not only are these animals supreme in their detection and discrimination capabilities, they also demonstrate excellent acoustic focusing characteristics - both in transmission and reception.
BIAS is funded by the Basic Technology Programme of RCUK.