A Portable Artificial Robotic Nose for CO2 Concentration Monitoring

Abstract

The technological advancements in sensory systems and robotics over the past decade have facilitated the innovation of centralized systems for optimizing resource utilization and monitoring efficiency in inspection applications. This paper presents a novel system designed for gas concentration sensing in environments by implementing a modular artificial nose (emulating the inhalation and exhalation process) equipped with a strategically designed air capture centralization system based on computational fluid dynamics analysis (CFD). The system incorporates three gas identification sensors distributed within the artificial nose, and their information is processed in real-time through embedded systems. The artificial nose is hardware–software integrated with a quadruped robot capable of traversing the environment to collect samples, maximizing coverage area through its mobility and locomotion capabilities. This integration provides a comprehensive perspective on gas distribution in a specific area, enabling the efficient detection of substances in the surrounding environment. The robotic platform employs a graphical interface for real-time gas concentration data map visualization. System integration is achieved using the Robot Operating System (ROS), leveraging its modularity and flexibility advantages. This innovative robotic approach offers a promising solution for enhanced environmental inspection and monitoring applications.