Sensing odour trails for mobile robot navigation

By monitoring or following trails layed on the ground a mobile robot can perform several useful navigation tasks. An example would be following a trail layed on an outward journey in order to later find the way back to the starting point. This paper describes the latest stage in the development of a robot navigation system based on laying down and detecting trails of volatile chemicals. Previously a prototype olfactory sensor was developed which showed the feasibility of having a mobile robot follow an odour trail on the floor. This prototype sensor has now been improved by managing airflow in the vicinity of the sensor. This has decreased the sensor response time and improved rejection of spurious odour signals carried by airflow in the room. A simple and effective applicator has also been developed for laying odour trails