The drone currently has to be stationary to get a feel for its environment, but the scientists hope to use the technology mid-flight. The team will also look at situations where the drone might be restricted.

If this system is available worldwide, it could lead to far-reaching improvements. Drones wouldn’t be quite so reliant on cameras and GPS to get around, and that could be particularly helpful for search and rescue, night patrols and other missions where light is scarce. It could also be helpful for underwater drones and other vessels that will never have great vision. And yes, the bat-like technology might help on terra firma — it’s easy to imagine this supplementing backup cameras on cars, not to mention other sensors on self-driving vehicles.