The node MAVs spread out to create a grid onto which virtual pheromone can be deposited and detected through local communication.

作为节点的飞行器发射信号并建立一个网格，网格上就有虚拟的“信息素”，通过本地网络就可以探测到该信息素。

youdao

So now human communications networks are often based on "virtual pheromone trails".

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | Ants - learning from the collective