Australian scientists created a robot fish that protects amphibians from attacks of small fish and headastrics. The study was published in the scientific journal Cell.
Specialists have created a robotic fish, attacking Holbrooki (Gambusia Holbrooki), which are hunting for amphibians. Thus, scientists artificially reduce the activity of aggressive fish, without causing them physical harm.
Scientists noted that Gamblusia was divorced in water bodies around the world to combat mosquito larvae, which made it possible to deter disease. However, later the fish were mastered and began to exterminate not only the larvae of mosquitoes, but also to attack local freshwater fish and headastrics. Specialists of the University of Western Australia have noticed that for the sake of ecology, the population of the Holbrook gambusies should be reduced.
As part of the study, a robotic fish was created, which outwardly and sawmills resembled a bigger perch (MicroPterus Salmoides). Scientists caught a few gambusies and tadpoles, and posted them in an aquarium along with a robot. When the fish tried to eat amphibians, the robot imitated the attack and drove them away from the victims.
The experiment lasted a few weeks and ended successfully. Gambusia became less likely to attack the headastrics, reduced the weight and significantly reduced fertility. Their males became faster to avoid robot attacks more effectively, but less aggressive. Scientists emphasized that after success in the laboratory, the experiment can be repeated in the wild.
In early December, Stanford University specialists created a parrot robot, which has paws to capture objects. Scientists believe that the robot can be used when studying wildlife and bird observations.