Zombie birds may seem like something out of a spooky movie, but scientists in the United States are taking this concept and turning it into reality, with a twist. At the New Mexico Tech Institute of Mining and Technology, a team led by Professor Mostafa Hassanalian is repurposing dead birds into drones, with the goal of revolutionizing wildlife research.
The inspiration behind this project came from the challenges that traditional drones face in studying wildlife. Birds often attack drones, causing damage and potentially harming themselves. Additionally, the noise from drones can disturb animals and disrupt their natural behaviors. To address these issues, the team is developing nature-inspired robotic systems that blend seamlessly into ecosystems by using real bird bodies.
The researchers have been experimenting with different bird species, starting with pheasants. By utilizing taxidermy techniques, they have transformed a pheasant’s body into a drone with flapping wings. This drone was designed to interact naturally with other pheasants, allowing for unobtrusive observation of their behavior.
Moving on to mallard ducks, the team created both flying and swimming drones. The flying drone mimics the flight characteristics of ducks, while the swimming robot replicates underwater movements. These aquatic drones could potentially monitor underwater ecosystems with minimal disruption.
The latest innovation involves stationary pigeon drones equipped with cameras. These drones can perch in trees and provide real-time video recordings of wildlife without alarming other birds. The goal is to enable researchers to study wildlife behavior without causing disturbances.
Despite these technological advancements, the drones have yet to be fully tested in the wild. Challenges such as other birds attacking the drones need to be addressed before field tests can proceed. However, controlled trials on the campus of New Mexico Tech have shown promising results.
To address ethical concerns, all bird specimens used in the project are sourced from natural deaths and prepared by certified taxidermists. This ensures that the project adheres to ethical standards while advancing scientific knowledge.
While the primary focus of these bird-like drones is wildlife observation, there are broader applications being considered. For example, the drones could potentially be used for border protection and surveillance purposes. Additionally, the team is exploring the development of dandelion-inspired drones for seed dispersal, aiming to replicate the role of bees in environmental management.
This innovative approach to robotics not only holds promise for wildlife research but also for various environmental and security applications. By combining natural designs with advanced technology, researchers are pushing the boundaries of ecological studies and beyond. As field tests progress and the technology evolves, the future of bird-inspired drones may change how scientists interact with and study the natural world. For now, this project represents a unique fusion of biology and robotics, offering a glimpse into the future of wildlife conservation.
