The US Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed the Hierax system, capable of detecting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using neuromorphic cameras. These cameras work on the principle of biological vision: they record changes in brightness at each point of the image rather than capturing individual frames like conventional optical cameras.
Neuromorphic cameras, also called event cameras, pick up even minor fluctuations in light. Unlike standard sensors that record red, green and blue frame by frame, such sensors respond to motion in real time. This makes it possible to detect fast-flying drones against complex backgrounds.
According to research lead Case Saylor, the SwRI approach can turn any drone into an autonomous interceptor that finds, tracks and neutralizes enemy vehicles without an operator. The system uses neuromorphic sensors and does not depend on specific hardware.
Combat experience in Ukraine has shown a pressing need for counter-UAV capabilities for the US Army and allies. Drones are usually detected using radars, radio signals, acoustics, thermal imagers or optical cameras. However, event cameras have an advantage: they emit no signals that can be jammed, and they are smaller, lighter, consume less power and cost less.
Although event cameras have been studied in laboratories for decades, their use in difficult conditions began relatively recently. The SwRI solution requires fewer computing resources than standard optical systems that rely on complex machine learning.
Engineer David Anthony, who led the development, noted that the institute seeks to apply the latest scientific advances, such as neuromorphic cameras, to real-world tasks. The Hierax system was created on a modular open principle to meet US Department of Defense requirements for battlefield interoperability in joint operations.
Saylor stressed that compliance with existing standards eliminates lock-in to a single supplier and guarantees compatibility with future platform upgrades. The development is still a laboratory prototype; no timeline for serial production or commercial availability has been announced.