An insect inspired orientation reflex for autonomous air vehicles

A target-seeking system for autonomous munitions in the endgame stage of flight is developed based upon a neural network model of the cockroach escape reflex. Despite significant differences in objectives, certain aspects of the cockroach escape response are consistent with desired characteristics of a target seeking system. An evolutionary target-seeking algorithm was generated to gather data to train the neural net target-seeking system. Targeting data were generated through intensive off-line computing, which the target-seeking reflex was trained to reproduce on-line rapidly. A linear quadratic regulator (LQR) autopilot executes reflexive guidance commands. With the trained target-seeking system installed on a modeled air-to-ground munition, simulations show that the reflex may react to strike targets very quickly. Context dependency was demonstrated through the actions of the reflex striking targets moving on rapidly changing, evading, and unpredictable trajectories, as well as in the presence false and disruptive sensor data.