Researchers at IIT Mandi deploy robots to study behaviour in animals

Mandi: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi on Monday revealed in a new study how animals navigate back home after foraging, even when confronted with unexpected detours.

The study, published in the journal PRX LIFE, may pave the way for developing better navigation systems for autonomous vehicles, while also boosting search and rescue missions.

The team explored animals’ ability to return home, significantly seen among pigeons, sea turtles, salmon, monarch butterflies, and more after activities like migration or foraging.

This homing behaviour, common in nature, is different in species. They use various strategies from path integration to calculating their return based on the distance travelled and direction. Some also depend on environmental cues such as smells, landmarks, star positions, or the Earth's magnetic field.

In the paper, the team detailed their probe into these patterns using small, programmable robots.

The robots designed to mimic animal behaviour are approximately 7.5 cm in diameter. These are equipped with sensors to detect objects and light, enabling them to locate a "home" marked by the brightest light source.

The robots navigate using independently controlled wheels and adjust their paths based on light intensity, similar to certain animals.