Zebrafish Prefer Lookalike Robots with the Right Moves
- James Devitt for Futurity October 25th, 2016
- Source: http://www.futurity.org/zebrafish-3d-mimicry-1280372-2/
A new study suggests zebrafish engage more with 3D-moving robotic models of themselves than with other stimuli.
Scientists devised a controllable, customizable robotic platform to help them more accurately study freshwater fish behavior. Like a puppet master, the robotic platform maneuvers biologically inspired 3D-printed replicas to mimic the swimming patterns of real fish.
For the new study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, researchers introduced the live zebrafish in the middle section of a three-compartment experimental tank with the robotic fish and an empty section on either side.
