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Drones traditionally utilize visual sensors for navigation; however, their effectiveness can be severely impacted by adverse environmental conditions such as humidity, darkness, and dust, which limits their functionality in emergency situations. A team of researchers from Japan has introduced an innovative bio-hybrid drone that melds robotic technology with odor-sensing antennae derived from silkworm moths. This integration aims to combine the speed and precision of machine-based systems with the biological sensing capabilities of living organisms, thereby improving the performance of drones in diverse fields, including navigation, gas detection, and disaster assistance.
The evolution of drone technology has resulted in a variety of applications including but not limited to navigation, gas detection, structural inspections, and emergency response. Conventional drones primarily rely on visual mechanisms such as thermal cameras and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. Unfortunately, their reliance on sight means that they often struggle in conditions where visibility is compromised, necessitating a shift toward more adaptable sensing solutions.
Animal navigation provides a fascinating blueprint for enhancing drone capabilities. Many species, particularly insects like male moths, exhibit extraordinary olfactory skills, enabling them to detect pheromones from substantial distances, sometimes reaching several kilometers. This ability is integral for their survival as it helps them find food, avoid threats, and attract mates.
Creating drones that incorporate these biological sensory systems can significantly address the limitations found in current robotic technologies.
A research group led by Associate Professor Daigo Terutsuki from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics at Shinshu University and collaborators from Chiba University have utilized silkworm moth antennae to design a proprietary bio-hybrid drone dedicated to odor detection and tracking. Their findings were published in the journal npj Robotics on February 5, 2025.
Dr. Terutsuki outlined the driving force behind this research, stating, “We are striving to further develop bio-hybrid drones that leverage living insect antennae as components for odor detection. The goal is to integrate dynamic biological mechanisms to significantly boost the functionality of these tracking drones. We initiated this project with the expectation that these innovations would enhance odor detection efficiency and expand their usage in rescue missions.”
In a previous iteration, the researchers had created a bio-hybrid drone utilizing an electroantennography (EAG) sensor based on insect antennae, which demonstrated high sensitivity but was limited by a detection range of less than two meters. The current study marks an advancement over this initial version by incorporating physiological mechanisms akin to those of insects. During the process of tracking odors, insects exhibit pauses which improve their search accuracy. Conventional robotic models, conversely, maintain continuous operations, which may hinder their detection effectiveness.
To enhance detection capabilities, the team implemented a “stepped rotation algorithm” that simulates the pauses found in insect behavior during odor detection, thus significantly boosting accuracy. Additionally, they redesigned the electrodes and EAG sensor to better align with the silkworm moth antennae’s structure. The refined interface between the EAG sensor, enhanced for responsiveness to signal strengths, and the biological components led to notable improvements in system performance and usability.
To further refine this technology, the researchers constructed a funnel-shaped enclosure aimed at minimizing airflow resistance and applied a conductive coating to reduce electrostatic noise interference. These enhancements resulted in superior odor detection across varying conditions and concentrations, achieving an effective range of detection up to 5 meters.
The implications of this odor-sensing bio-hybrid drone could transform gas leak detection in essential infrastructure, provide early fire alerts, enhance security measures at airports by identifying dangerous substances, and improve emergency response efficiency during disasters.
This technological advancement is particularly relevant for regions susceptible to natural calamities like earthquakes, where rapid rescue efforts are crucial. “Historically, search and rescue operations have been reliant on visual searches, as no definitive technology existed for quickly locating people in danger. The bio-hybrid drone developed through our research has the potential to transform this landscape by efficiently tracking odors, thereby enabling responders to quickly locate survivors and ultimately save more lives when every moment is critical,” Dr. Terutsuki emphasized.
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