Artificial lateral-line system for imaging dipole sources using beamforming techniques

Abstract

In nature, fish have the ability to localize prey, school, navigate, etc. using the lateral-line organ [1]. Here we present the use of biomimetic artificial hair-based flow-sensors arranged as lateral-line system in combination with beamforming techniques for dipole source localization in air. Modelling and mea¬sure¬ment results show the artificial lateral-line ability to image the position of dipole sources accurately. Such systems open possi¬bilities for flow-based near-field environment mapping which can be beneficial e.g. to robot guidance applications.