Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Chihiro Fukui is pioneering the intersection of biology and robotics, with a research focus on bio-hybrid sensing systems and insect-inspired navigation for odor-source localization. Her major contributions lie in developing advanced aerial robots that integrate biological olfactory sensors—particularly from silkworm moths—to achieve superior odor detection capabilities. In her most cited work (2025, 10 citations), Fukui introduced a bio-hybrid drone that combines living insect antennae with drone technology, enabling high-precision, extended-range odor tracking that surpasses traditional image-based navigation. This innovation addresses critical gaps in autonomous search-and-rescue and environmental monitoring. Her simulation-based study (2024, 7 citations) further elucidated how wing fanning in silkworm moths creates olfactory sampling volumes for pheromone capture, providing foundational insights for bio-inspired sensor design. Most recently (2025, 1 citation), Fukui developed an insect antennae-based sensor capable of simultaneously measuring airflow and odor concentration, mimicking the dual-function sensing of insects. Her work not only advances bio-robotics but also deepens our understanding of insect sensory ecology, positioning her as a rising leader in bio-hybrid technology with clear translational potential for real-world applications.