Odour-detecting drone uses silkworm moth antennae; Japanese researchers hope to use it for disaster rescue


Shinshu University Associate Professor Daigo Terutsuki, right, and another researcher show the odour-detecting drone on Feb. 19 at Shinshu University in Japan. - The Yomiuri Shimbun via The Japan News/ANN

NAGANO: Researchers at Shinshu University and another institution have developed an odour-detecting drone that uses antennae taken from living insects.

The “insect drone” can autonomously find its way to the source of an odour or pheromone. The researchers hope that, by widening the range over which it can detect odours and ultimately making it able to detect the scent of humans, they will turn the drone into a useful tool for search and rescue activities at disaster sites.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (Dec 18, 2025)
China says arms trade with Cambodia, Thailand unrelated to border conflict
NParks investigating Singapore influencer over dog abuse allegations
Thailand and Laos discuss economic cooperation plan to boost trade to US$11bil by 2027
Sri Lanka arrests three men for burning elephant alive
Jail for man in Singapore who struck domestic helper with knife, kicked police officer and stole mobile phone
Body found in bag believed to be missing Ampang woman, say cops
Three Songkhla districts warned of flash floods and mudslides
Jail for man and his mother after he misappropriates over S$1.2mil from firm’s bank account in Singapore
Nadma coordinating immediate action in six flood-hit states, says Anwar

Others Also Read