A research team at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro is taking a unique approach to studying bird flight patterns by converting taxidermic birds into drones.
Led by mechanical engineering professor Mostafa Hassanalian, the team hopes to gain valuable insights into birds’ formations and movements, which could potentially be applied to the aviation industry.
Dead Birds Provide Better Results Than Traditional Mechanical Drones
Traditional mechanical bird drones have not provided the results that the New Mexico research team was hoping for, according to a report by Reuters.
As a result, the team turned to deceased birds as a potential solution. “We came up with this idea that we can use…dead birds and make them (into) a drone,” said Hassanalian, who has extensive experience studying drones.
Unique Research Draws Attention to Conspiracy Theory
The research team’s innovative approach has not only garnered attention for its scientific potential but also its connection to a Gen Z conspiracy theory that claims “Birds Aren’t Real.”
Despite the humorous nature of the theory, Hassanalian and his team remain committed to studying the natural behaviors of birds in the wild.
Developing Drones for Longer Flight Times
While the current prototype drone can fly for a maximum of 20 minutes, the team plans to develop a model that can stay airborne for a longer period and carry out tests alongside live birds.
By gathering data on birds’ natural behaviors, the team hopes to gain a deeper understanding of flight patterns and potentially improve aviation technology in the future.
