Sensing Airflow by a Humanoid Robot

This paper describes the development of a system for measuring airflow moving past the head of a humanoid robot. In recent years there has been growing interest in the development of humanoid robots. To function in a safe and efficient manner a humanoid robot must be 'aware' of its surroundings. For both a human and a humanoid robot airflow can provide useful information. Airflow sensors measure local air movement and can detect such things as draughts resulting from open doors and the air disturbance caused by walking close to the humanoid robot. When used in conjunction with an odour sensor measurements of airflow in the vicinity of a humanoid robot can also provide important information for localising the source of an odour. This paper describes progress in the development of an airflow measuring system that is compatible with the humanoid form and gives results showing that it can indicate both airflow velocity and direction.