FIGURE 3. Simulation of infotaxis using mixing flow experimental data⁷.

Snapshots (false colours; red corresponds to high concentrations) of dye concentration levels are acquired from mixing flow experimental data, and the trajectory of the searcher is numerically simulated in the resulting sequence of fields. Snapshots and trajectories are shown at four successive times in panels a–d. Light blue regions correspond to concentrations below the detection threshold. The black star denotes an isolated odour detection event. The infotactic strategy is robust with respect to fluctuations and inhomogeneities of the medium (for example, of the wind direction) and its modelling by the searcher. Robustness stems from the tracking of information rather than estimated maximum likelihood locations.