New research on silkworm moths inspires potential advancements in robotic odor detection

New research from Japan on the domesticated silkworm moth (Bombyx mori) could, somewhat surprisingly, inform future advancements in drone technology, particularly in odor detection.

The study, conducted by researchers from Chiba University and Shinshu University, reveals how the moth's wing fanning enhances its ability to detect pheromones. This discovery could lead to more effective odor localisation systems in robotics, including drones designed for search and rescue operations where scent tracking is crucial.

How wing fanning assists odor detection

The research focuses on how male silkworm moths, though flightless due to domestication, use wing fanning to guide pheromone molecules to their antennae. Wing fanning generates specific airflows that help direct the pheromones towards the moths' highly sensitive odor receptors. This process is similar to how airflow manipulation could help improve robotic systems tasked with detecting and following odors, such as in disaster response scenarios.

“We understand that silkworm moths detect pheromones by flapping their wings to induce airflows around them. However, the precise impact of this wing flapping on the moths' ability to localise the odor source is unclear,” explained Dr. Toshiyuki Nakata of Chiba University, who led the research.

The researchers used high-speed photogrammetry to capture and analyse the wing movements of the moths. This technology allowed them to create a detailed computational model of the airflow surrounding the fanning moth and simulate how pheromone particles behave within that airflow. By studying this interaction, the team discovered that the moths rotate their bodies and fan their wings to direct airflow and sample the air from different directions, helping them locate the pheromone source more accurately.

Implications for robotic systems

This research may have significant applications for designing drones and robots that can detect and follow odors. A team led by Dr. Daigo Terutsuki is already working on developing drones equipped with insect-inspired sensors that mimic the olfactory capabilities of moths. These drones could be used in search and rescue missions, where detecting human scent can be crucial for finding individuals in hard-to-reach areas.

“The findings from this study highlight the importance of creating directional airflow when searching for odor sources using flying robots. This involves carefully adjusting the drone’s orientation and the configuration of its propellers and odor sensors to optimise detection capabilities,” noted Dr. Nakata.

While the study offers valuable insights, further research is needed to explore how environmental factors such as turbulence and complex airflow patterns might affect odor detection in real-world scenarios. These factors could be critical when adapting biological principles to robotic systems.

Currently, robots primarily rely on vision and auditory sensors for navigation, but the integration of olfactory sensors could provide a significant advantage.

“As demonstrated by rescue dogs, using the sense of smell can be highly effective for locating humans. This research could help in the development of robots capable of efficiently searching for odor sources in disaster situations,” said Dr. Nakata.