Ultra-realistic Robotic Predator Scares Fish
- Ilan Mester for Engineering.com April 8th, 2015
- Source: http://www.engineering.com/DesignerEdge/DesignerEdgeArticles/ArticleID/9915/Ultra-realistic-Robotic-Predator-Scares-Fish.aspx
NYU engineers have developed a robotic predator so realistic that it causes fear among real fish. The study has significant implications for scientific research involving animals.
The predator at hand is a red tiger oscar fish. It might seem small, but not in the eyes of a zebrafish. The latter is often used in behavioural studies thanks to its versatility. However, there are a number of issues with using live animals to conduct research, mainly their unpredictable nature. That’s one of the reasons Maurizio Porfiri, an NYU professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, creates bio-inspired robots.
