Japanese Scientists Develop Drone That Can Track Scents

Scientists in Japan have developed a biohybrid drone equipped with special antennas capable of scent tracking. Traditional drones rely on visual sensors for navigation, but these systems struggle in low-light, dusty, or humid conditions. This limitation makes it difficult for drones to operate in disaster areas where visibility is restricted.

A Drone That Can Detect and Track Scents

This new technology enhances drone performance in gas detection, disaster response, and environmental monitoring by utilizing biological sensing mechanisms. Inspired by insects’ natural olfactory abilities, the research team combined advanced robotics with biological elements to overcome the limitations of conventional drone technology.

Insects like moths use their sense of smell to find food, avoid predators, and locate mates. Male moths, for instance, can detect pheromones from kilometers away through a process called odor source localization. Drawing inspiration from this ability, researchers led by Associate Professor Daigo Terutsuki from Shinshu University developed a drone that mimics this mechanism.

The team’s earlier biohybrid UAV used an electroantennography (EAG) sensor that measured electrical signals from insect antennae. Although this original model had high sensitivity, its detection range was limited to less than two meters.

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To improve this, researchers introduced a “step-turn algorithm,” mimicking the way insects stop and adjust their movement when tracking scents. Integrating this biological behavior into the drone’s tracking system significantly improved its effectiveness.

Additionally, the team redesigned the EAG electrodes and sensors to match the structure of silkworm antennae. They also added a funnel-shaped conductive housing to reduce air resistance and minimize electrostatic interference. These upgrades increased the drone’s scent detection range to five meters, making it more effective in real-world conditions.

This drone can be used for detecting gas leaks, hazardous substances, early fire detection, and search-and-rescue missions in disaster areas where conventional visual sensors are insufficient.