Spatio-temporal flow pattern observations using bio-inspired hair flow sensors

In nature, sensing is a fundamental property of virtually all living creatures. For many insects airflow patterns, as observed by means of their hair-sensors, carry highly valuable information exposing the sources of these flows. Flow-sensor arrays can be used to extract spatio-temporal flow fields rather than average or local flow quantities. Here we investigate the possibility to measure spatio-temporal airflow fields generated by a pulsed-like airflow by means of our artificial hair-sensors and hair-sensor arrays. The measurements show the hair-sensors' ability to follow the changes in the flow field with sufficient temporal and spatial resolution. Such a system can be used for reconstructing hydrodynamic images of moving bodies to be implemented in guiding robots purposes even in total darkness.