Optical Waveguide-based Spider Web Enables Resilient Impact Detection and Localization

TL;DR

This paper introduces a bioinspired optical waveguide web that detects and localizes impacts through vibration-induced light transmission changes, offering resilient environmental sensing for applications like robotics and structural health monitoring.

Contribution

The study presents a novel optical waveguide web inspired by spider webs, demonstrating real-time impact detection and localization with robustness to sensor failure.

Findings

Achieved 5 ms vibration transfer delay measurement for localization.

Validated system's robustness in impact detection despite sensor failures.

Optimized waveguide parameters for enhanced vibrational response.

Abstract

Spiders use their webs as multifunctional tools that enable capturing and localizing prey and more general environmental sensing through vibrations. Inspired by their biological function, we present a spider web-inspired optical waveguide system for resilient impulse detection and localization. The structure consists of six clear thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) waveguides arranged radially and interconnected by a spiral TPU thread, mimicking orb spider webs. Light transmission losses, induced by vibrations, are measured via coupled LEDs and photo-diodes, allowing real-time detection. We systematically characterize individual waveguides, analyzing key parameters such as tension, impulse position, and break angle to optimize vibrational response. The complete system is validated through controlled experiments, revealing a 5 ms propagation delay in vibration transfer between adjacent radii, enhancing localization capabilities. We demonstrate a robust impulse detection and localization algorithm leveraging time delay analysis, achieving reliable event identification even in cases of sensor failure. This study highlights the potential of bioinspired optical waveguide structures for adaptive sensing, with applications in soft robotics, structural monitoring, and environmental sensing.