Biological process tomography: Active electrolocation in weakly electric fish

G. von der Emde

University of Bonn, Institute for Zoology, Endenicher Allee 11-13, 53115 Bonn, Germany

Abstract

Active electrolocation is used by weakly electric fish, which have the unique ability to orient in complete darkness by emitting and perceiving electric signals. The signals are perceived by an array of electroreceptors in the skin. The fish's body serves as an antenna, which also shapes the emitted electric field. As a result, the animals can detect, localize and analyze nearby objects and perceive a 3-D electrical picture of their surroundings. Experimental results highlight the animals? perceptual abilities, which allow them to navigate in extreme environments without vision. Because of their unique sensory abilities, electric fish can serve as model systems for various types of remote sensing systems and for roboticists building underwater vehicles.

Keywords: biomimetic; object detection; inspection; localization; underwater navigation; electric image; remote sensing; impedance tomography Instructions