Scientists attach insect antennae to drones for smell-based navigation

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust In a nutshell: Researchers in Japan have merged robotic technology with the finely tuned senses of silk moths to create a bio-hybrid drone. By harnessing nature's expertly evolved ability to track scents over long distances, this innovation could aid in disaster response efforts. Traditional drones rely on visual sensors like cameras and lasers for navigation, but these can be unreliable in harsh conditions such as low light, dust storms, or wet environments. This poses a challenge when surveying disaster-stricken areas, where visibility may be compromised. Additionally, aerial surveillance can be inefficient when there's no clear target to track. To address these limitations, researchers took a creative approach – giving drones the ability to detect scents. As TechXplore highlights, the project is led by Associate Professor Daigo Terutsuki of Shinshu University in collaboration with Ch ... Read full article.