Grasshoppers, which we encounter every day, have very interesting features, although they are scary for some people. These tiny creatures, with their developed sense of smell, helped scientists in their research. So much so that last summer, it was discovered that migratory locusts can detect cancer by smell.
Now, with the help of these species, a brand new technology has been developed that could revolutionize smelling. According to a study published Monday via Biosensor and Bioelectronics, scientists have developed a robot that can smell with the help of grasshoppers.
The robot was created using grasshoppers’ antennae and artificial intelligence
A group of researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a robot that can identify certain odors with a sensitivity 10,000 times greater than some current electronics. This robot has also been called a bio-hybrid platform.
The developed robot has antennas taken from desert locusts and connected to an electronic system. This system can measure the electrical signals produced by the antenna when an odor is detected. Let’s add that the robot is paired with an algorithm that learns to characterize odors by their signal outputs. In this way, the team says, a system has been created that can distinguish eight ‘pure’ scents, including marzipan and lemon.
The new robot, which shows what can be done with the help of nature and artificial intelligence, can make great contributions to the world of science. Researchers say their system could one day be used to detect things like bombs and drugs.
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