Bio-hybrid drone navigates using insect smell

Japanese researchers have made a groundbreaking advancement in drone technology by creating a bio-hybrid drone that combines robotic components with odor-sensing antennae from silkworm moths. This innovative drone merges the agility and precision of robots with biological sensory mechanisms to enhance its capabilities in navigation, gas sensing, and disaster response. Unlike conventional visual sensors, such as thermal imaging and LiDAR, which can be hindered by environmental factors like dampness and low light, the bio-hybrid drone's biological sensory integration offers a more reliable solution, particularly in disaster-affected areas.

Animals, birds, and insects in nature possess a natural navigation system based on their sense of smell. By incorporating these biological sensory mechanisms into advanced artificial machinery, bio-hybrid drones show great promise in overcoming the limitations of existing robotic technologies. The research team, led by Associate Professor Daigo Terutsuki from Shinshu University and Associate Professor Toshiyuki Nakata and Chihiro Fukui from Chiba University in Japan, utilized silkworm moth antennae to develop this novel bio-hybrid drone with odor sensing and tracking capabilities.

Dr. Terutsuki explains, “Our team is dedicated to advancing bio-hybrid drones that utilize living insect antennae as odor sensor elements. Through this research, we aim to harness the dynamic movements and mechanisms of living organisms to significantly enhance the performance of our odor-tracking drones. We believe that these advancements will lead to more effective odor detection and broaden the applications in rescue operations.”

In a previous study, the researchers created a bio-hybrid drone with an electroantennography (EAG) sensor based on insect antennae, but its detection range was limited to less than two meters. In their latest work, the team improved the drone by incorporating mechanisms that mimic biological processes in insects, such as introducing a “stepped rotation algorithm” to enhance detection accuracy during odor sensing. They also redesigned the electrodes and EAG sensor to better align with the structure of silkworm moth antennae, resulting in improved performance and operability.

Furthermore, the researchers implemented a funnel-shaped enclosure to reduce airflow resistance and applied a conductive coating inside to minimize noise interference from electrostatic charging. These modifications enabled the bio-hybrid drone to detect odor sources effectively under various environmental conditions and odorant concentrations, extending its detection range to up to 5 meters. The potential applications of this odor-sensing drone include gas leak detection, early fire detection, public security enhancement at airports, and improved disaster response through more efficient rescue operations.

Dr. Terutsuki envisions the bio-hybrid drone revolutionizing search and rescue efforts by providing a technology that can swiftly locate individuals in distress. With its ability to track odors and pinpoint survivors, this advanced drone has the potential to save more lives in critical situations where time is of the essence. The development of this bio-hybrid drone represents a significant step forward in drone technology, offering a versatile and effective tool for various applications requiring precise odor detection and tracking capabilities.

Image: Researchers from Shinshu University and Chiba University have developed a bio-hybrid drone using odor-sensing antennae from silkworm moths. An electroantennography (EAG) sensor is used to detect odorants. The optimisation of the electrode and enclosure structure in the robot enhanced the odor search range, detection precision, and system performance of the drone, improving its application in diverse environments. Credit: Dr. Daigo Terutsuki from Shinshu University, Japan.

Paper: DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s44182-025-00020-9