APPLICATIONS OF, AND DEVELOPMENTS IN, MACHINE OLFACTION

Using the combination of an array of non-specific gas sensors and suit able pattern recognition techniques it is possible to build electronic systems which mimic the ability of the mammalian olfactory system for the discrimination and classification of odours. Potential applicatio ns for systems of this type are very broad, ranging from quality contr ol in the food and beverage industries to environmental monitoring and animal health. Over the last two years the availability of first gene ration commercial instrumentation has stimulated considerable interest in this approach to sensor development. This paper reviews progress i n this field and discusses some of the outstanding issues which remain to be solved.