Electronic noses, or e-noses, are still a very new concept in modern research; and while few working prototypes exist, the implications of such devices are huge. Harnessing odor-tracking technologies could lead to increased food safety, workplace safety, and even early disease detection.

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The purpose of this study was to design, build, and test a proof-of-concept, bio-inspired odor localizing robot to track and locate the source of an airborne odor. The project was carried out in three sections: designing and building a robot base with a stereo-olfactory system, calibrating the olfactory system sensors to utilize normalized sensor readings, and creating a unique odor localizing algorithm to allow for autonomous localization of an odor source.

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ALV+IN, or the Autonomous Localization Vehicle with an Intelligent Nose, utilizes previous normalized sensor readings to determine a path of travel through a butane plume to its source. Though ALV+IN can successfully locate odors as they move with the robot, this study was limited by safety constraints. This was due to the feasibility of simulating large-scale odor plumes to produce fully autonomous results.

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In a real-world implementation, such a device could greatly improve efforts in detecting gas leaks. In a humanitarian setting, such a device could be used to assist in natural disaster recovery efforts.