Odor source localization using multiple robots in complicated city-like environments

Abstract

The detection of a dangerous emission source location has the potential to be enhanced by using plume-tracing mobile robots, without endangering human life during the detection and source localization process. So far, many researchers focus on odor source localization in simple & laboratory based environments. The present study focuses on more real life odor source localization scenarios. In this study, multiple robots were used and coordinated by a supervisory program to locate an odor source in complicated city-like environments. A series of simulations has been conducted and the results demonstrated the potential of the supervisory program to effectively control a number of robots to locate a dangerous odor source in real life scenarios.