Researchers create ‘zombie duck drones’ to monitor wildlife

Researchers at New Mexico Tech have developed innovative drones and robots using preserved bodies of dead birds, including "zombie duck" drones made from mallard ducks. These devices are engineered as both flapping and swimming drones equipped with cameras, aiming to assist with wildlife monitoring by blending into the natural environment. The team, led by Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has spent the past two years developing this technology.

They have used parts from taxidermied pheasants and mallards to create flapping-wing drones and swimming robots, designed to observe wildlife without causing disturbances. They have engineered two robotic versions of mallard ducks: a flying drone and a swimming robot, with mechanics that mimic the realistic movements of the birds' legs. The swimming version replicates a duck’s natural movement, making it useful for studying aquatic life and potentially monitoring aquatic wildlife.

Using a taxidermied duck significantly enhances its hydrodynamic properties, making it an ideal option for exploration in aquatic environments. Dr. Hassanalian explained, "The natural shape and feather structure of a real duck reduces water resistance, allowing smoother and more efficient movement through the water." Additionally, "The waterproof properties of the duck's feathers, combined with their natural buoyancy, help maintain stability and prevent drag, which is challenging to replicate with artificial materials."

The team has also created a pigeon model with realistic head movements, designed to carry a camera and collect environmental monitoring data discreetly. This approach aims to capture a close-up view of animals' natural behavior that isn't possible with human cameramen. Dr. Hassanalian continued, "By using realistic pigeon drones, we can observe interactions in both natural and human-influenced environments without disturbing the animals or drawing attention."

By creating "nature-inspired robotic systems," the researchers hope to more seamlessly observe wildlife without causing disturbances, marking a new era in bioinspired engineering. Dr. Hassanalian emphasized that all birds used in these projects were already deceased and have been taxidermied by certified professionals. "They have all been 'taxidermied' by certified taxidermists. We purchase them and try to play with them. We're not asking a taxidermist to kill a bird and then do the taxidermy and give it to us," he said.

Most drones used to monitor wildlife are hexacopters and quadcopters, which are noisy, and the noise from drone propellers can be a threat to wildlife if they get too close. "Drones generate a lot of noise. For instance, if you’re monitoring elephants in Africa, the noise often frightens animals, causing them to scatter," Dr. Hassanalian noted. "Sometimes, you get a bird strike. The birds attack your drone. Your drone gets damaged and at the same time, the birds get hurt or they might be killed," he said. The team aims to mitigate these issues by creating drones that blend into the natural environment.

The pheasant drone was developed using a real taxidermy pheasant head and wings to create a drone with flapping wings. The research team studied the wings of pheasants, flapping patterns, thrust, lift forces, and other characteristics to create a realistic drone. The purpose was to create a drone that could naturally blend in with other pheasants for wildlife monitoring.

The team is exploring designs inspired by snakes, lizards, and frogs to create increasingly sophisticated drones, including designs with climbing and jumping mechanisms. "Beyond avian models, we are considering other types of taxidermy animal robots that could offer unique capabilities for research and environmental applications," Dr. Hassanalian explained. They are also working on integrating shape memory alloys into the pigeon's claws to create a perching mechanism. "Moreover, we have been working on integrating shape memory alloys into the pigeon's claws to create a perching mechanism," he added.

While the research team has conducted meticulous research to accurately recreate different birds, they don't yet know how other birds would react to them. They have only tested the drones and robots in controlled environments on New Mexico Tech's campus and are looking to obtain permission to fly them among real birds in non-simulated environments. "We know there's a challenge that they might be attacked by other birds, but I mean, that's a part of nature," Dr. Hassanalian said with a laugh.

Throughout the project, Dr. Hassanalian has been made aware of concerns related to security and how the bird-like drones could be used for spying. He stated that the project was not created for the purpose of espionage and that he or his research team does not support using the bird drones for spying. "The possibility of any technology being repurposed in unintended ways is a valid concern. While our research aims to support scientific and environmental initiatives, we recognize that any technology could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. This is why it is always crucial to have appropriate regulations, ethical guidelines, and public dialogue around the development and use of drones," he said.

In addition to his work with bird drones, Dr. Hassanalian is researching the creation and implementation of dandelion-inspired drones to assist in seed dispersal. "Bees, they are endangered ... they have a very important role in seed dispersals," he said. "The dandelion drone we are developing, they also can be used for dispersing the seeds and bird drones can actually carry the dandelion drones in much more nature-friendly ways for seed dispersals." Though the implementation of dandelion drones is still a ways out from being a reality, this research could have an impact on bee endangerment and pollination in the natural world.

The advancements made by New Mexico Tech can provide insights about wildlife that help protect endangered species. This approach offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural world in a non-invasive and respectful manner. The technology developed by New Mexico Tech can inspire new ideas for better planes and exploring lava tubes on other planets. Dr. Hassanalian stated, "We are also working on larger bird models to monitor broader ecosystems and even developing drones with the ability to dive and resurface."

As of now, the laboratory has constructed prototypes of several robotic birds, robotic dogs, and robotic fish. The research team has conducted meticulous research to accurately recreate different birds. New Mexico Tech might expand their drone technology beyond birds. Dr. Hassanalian has an interest in creating and testing reptile and amphibian drones, such as lizards, frogs, and snakes.

While the team is committed to using this technology to help nature without causing harm to animals, they recognize the importance of ethical guidelines and public dialogue around the development and use of drones. Dr. Hassanalian said, "We aim to capture high-resolution images and videos for applications such as wildlife research and studying bird behavior." The use of biomimetic drones based on taxidermied animals could open new perspectives in scientific research and environmental conservation.

Sources: USA Today, The Economic Times, Business News, Ocala Star-Banner (EU), IFLScience, Scienze Notizie

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq