Robot Fish Helps New York Scientists Understand Mating Behaviour
- The Huffington Post June 8th, 2012
- Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/06/08/robot-fish-helps-new-york-scientists-understand-fish-mating-behaviour_n_1580148.html
A painted robot fish with a smiley face became an instant celebrity when placed in a tank containing living versions of itself.
Scientists found their creation attracted both male and female zebrafish which were drawn by movements of its mechanically operated tail.
The 15cm-long robot was spray painted with characteristic blue zebrafish stripes, and given a "smile".
Researchers hope more advanced robot fish will in future contribute to conservation and the control of pest species.
The robot, built by US and Italian scientists, had a rounded shape to mimic the look of fertile females, which are popular with male and female zebrafish alike.
