Doctoral students develop algorithm that mimics electrosensing in fish

In their new paper, Andrea Scapin and Lorenzo Baldassari, both doctoral students at the Seminar for Applied Mathematics (SAM), introduce an innovative algorithm for observing objects via electrosensing that is based on the real behaviour of weakly electric fish.

02.02.2021 by Monika Krichel

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Orbids around a figure — The simulated fish collects data about the target object (in the center) while swimming in multiple orbits at different length-scales. (Figure: L. Baldassari, A. Scapin).

Andrea Scapin and Lorenzo Baldassari, mentored by Professor Habib Ammari, were intrigued by the possibility of modeling the way in which weakly electric fish perceive their environments through electricity. In their paper published in the SIAM Journal of Imaging Sciences, they introduce an innovative algorithm for observing objects via electrosensing that is based on the real behaviour of weakly electric fish. They describe that these animals are an ideal subject for developing new bio-inspired imaging techniques.

The fascinating research has been highlighted in the SIAM News Blog. This Blog brings together updates on cutting edge research, events and happenings, as well as insights on broader issues of interest to the applied math and computational science community.