While it may sound like a creepy science-fiction plot, drone prototypes that use dead pigeon parts are being developed.
These are not 100% real birds, but the researchers’ design for them makes them look like actual animals. Their vision is to create drones that could, in the near future, be used to get a “seamless and natural” look at wildlife.
The researchers also proposed that their drones could be used for military purposes such as spy work. These were all suggested in their paper at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics SciTech Forum.
In an interview with NewScientist, lead author Mostafa Hassanalian said that instead of using artificial materials for building drones, why not use dead bird parts and re-engineer them to function as drones?
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For now, the bird drones cannot flap their wings like real ones. They can, however, hover like hummingbirds. These are made possible because of the taxidermied parts of pigeons, hummingbirds, pheasants, and crows which even includes the real head of the bird. The most important part, of course, is the wings.
The process of creating the drone was noted to be difficult, but at least it’s more effective than having to design and manufacture a mechanical wing. Compared to using a wing that has once been part of a bird, manufacturing mechanical wings is challenging regarding their correct build and size.
These bird drones still have a long way to go, especially if there are possibilities for them to be used for spy purposes.
One thing is sure, though: it’s still pretty spooky that these drones used to be real-life birds. What do you personally think of them? Are they fascinating or just plain creepy?