Chinese researchers have made a significant breakthrough in hyper-spectral imaging technology that enables rapid and accurate object recognition in complex environments, unlocking a new way to develop next-generation intelligent sensors.
The spectrum is described the "genetic code" or " fingerprint" of light. Just as human eyes perceive different colors and shapes by interpreting light spectra, the hyper-spectral imaging system independently developed by a Chinese team allows for highly accurate capture and analysis of the spectral data reflected from objects, which can be used to identify subtle differences that are hardly visible to the naked eye.
This achievement, which combines the advanced image sensor chip with AI-powered algorithms, was published Wednesday in Nature, one of the world's leading scientific journals.
One key application of this innovation is in facial recognition. Researchers from the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) were showing how their new camera could tell a silicone facial mask apart from a real human face—offering a potential solution to talcked online fraud based on fake facial information.
"Here is a facial mask made from silicon rubber that has a fundamental difference in spectral properties compared to our real human face. Through this difference, we can accurately detect and identify disguises," said Wang Zhen, PhD student at the BIT Center for Scientific Exploration in Complex Environment (BISC).
Researchers also showcased its ability to distinguish between live and artificial plants. While the potted plants are almost identical in shape and color, the hyper-spectral camera developed at BIT could differentiate them by analyzing the specific spectral signatures of their materials. This device is capable of capturing spatial and geometric information and even hundreds of spectral bands.
"To capture spectral information across the full spectrum—from the three primary colors to hundreds of spectral bands— we need more materials for broadband spectral modulation. That's why we have developed over 100 materials that can modulate the incoming light across a broad spectrum. This enables us to collect light from hundreds of spectral bands onto a chip. When combined with intelligent algorithms, this chip-based technology integrates both hardware and software to form a powerful function," said Professor Bian Liheng at BISC.
This breakthrough is the result of six years of interdisciplinary research led by Professor Zhang Jun, an academician at BIT. The project brought together experts in materials science, physics, integrated circuits, computer science, and electronic information. The team's success marks a major leap forward in on-chip optical research, which is expected to break new ground for a variety of fields including deep space exploration, next-generation equipment, and smart medical applications.
Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in hyper-spectral imaging technology
A robot security guard that can operate both on the ground and in the water with the ability to track, combat, and capture, has recently been on patrol side by side with police officers in a crowded commercial district in Wenzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, as part of the country's efforts to deploy advanced technology to aid public security work.
The spherical robot, decked out with cameras and flashing lights, rolled and tilted around without tippling over, drawing public attention with its futuristic shape and functions.
"I felt very safe when I saw police officers on patrol. Now with high-tech products, I think it can be even safer," said Gao Jun, a resident.
The robot's design and mobility enables it to reach many corners which traditional patrol equipment cannot get to.
"Its maximum speed is 35 kilometers per hour. If the operator pushes the lever very hard, its instantaneous acceleration can reach the maximum speed in about two seconds," said Hu Dongming, a SWAT officer.
In addition, the robot can drive itself by collecting and transmitting GPS coordinates information on site.
And it is mounted with net guns to aim at a suspect and fire a net to entangle the target.
"Its biggest feature is that it can be used in a confrontational environment. Even if it is being hit at close range, it will not lose its function. It can improve the public security officers' on-site handling capabilities in extreme environments or when there are crowds of people," said Huang Sufeng, another SWAT officer.
According to Wang You, an associate professor from the College of Control Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, who led the research team for the project, they came up with the idea of designing a fully-sealed spherical robot as they hoped it can be amphibious and capable of working in special and harsh environments.
Wang said the robot can be equipped with different sensors and devices, so as to adapt to demands under any circumstance.
"Different external devices can be mounted onto the robot. Police officers want to increase deterrent effect when patrolling, so they equip the robot with net guns. And at airports, the robot can be equipped with a loudspeaker to drive birds away. We research and development team defines the robot as an intelligent, mobile vehicle," said Wang.
The robot's spherical shape, however, makes it shake constantly, leaving it unable to perceive the external environment and difficult to control its route accurately.
The researchers finally found a solution to the challenge after six-year efforts, said Wang.
"One of my PhD students came up with a great idea. Based on the control of the momentum wheel, we add motion control with induction motors onto the robot, greatly improving its motion performance. The spherical robot is also equipped with lidar and cameras. In open areas, it can achieve a near-L4 level of unmanned driving, and can automatically move along the set route and avoid obstacles," he noted.
Now, the robot can not only adapt to harsh environments and complex terrains, but also operate normally under corrosive, radioactive, flammable and explosive dangerous conditions, making it particularly suitable for tasks of countering terrorism and maintaining stability.
China's high-tech spherical security robot enhances policing in crowded wenzhou streets
