IIT Mandi's robot study unveils new secrets in animal homing behaviour

The study conducted by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi unveiled new secrets in animal homing behaviour. The study was based to understand how animals successfully navigate back to their home after foraging. Even when they encounter unexpected obstacles in their way. Using small programmable robots, the team studied homing behaviour in controlled settings to understand the mechanics behind it.

It is significant to understand how animals come back their way home after forging and migration. For example, the homing pigeons, they are known for their ability to navigate over long distances, a skill that has been utilised for delivering messages.  Like that, animals like Sea turtles, monarch butterflies and salmon too undertake extensive migrations to reach back to their birthplaces. These homing abilities are worth studying for and have always made scientists curious.

Different navigational methods that animals use 

There are different methods to how animals achieve successful homing. 
-Some use path integration, a method that involves computing the return journey based on the distance travelled and the direction, 
-While others rely on environmental cues like odours, landmarks, celestial bodies, or even the Earth's magnetic field. 
-Despite these diverse strategies, homing is usually a very efficient process. However, the role of random elements, or "noise," in animal navigation is yet to be understood. 

The Assistant professor at the School of Physical Science, IIT Mandia, Dr Harsh Soni, focused on the broader implications of this research, stating,"Our findings could lead to the development of more advanced navigation systems for autonomous vehicles and enhance search and rescue operations. Additionally, the study provides important insights into cellular dynamics, where similar navigation processes might be occurring."
No wonder, IIT Mandi has secured the first ranking in NIRF, the ability and the kind of innovation it produces, it is commendable .