A long history of pigeon involvement in various tasks includes delivering messages during the Olympic games in Greece, aiding in wartime communication, and even smuggling drugs into prisons. Now, researchers in Vancouver have engaged these birds in a new venture: assisting in the development of smarter drones.
A study led by the University of British Columbia and published in Current Biology equipped homing pigeons with miniature backpacks containing a small computer and head-mounted cameras to study their eye movements during flight. The setup, weighing around 27 grams, incorporated a compact computer, a modified commercial camera, and sensors to track the birds’ movements and orientation.
Researcher Anthony Lapsansky, who spearheaded the project as a postdoctoral fellow at UBC, detailed the meticulous process of outfitting the pigeons with the gear, involving custom-made falconry hoods and backpacks. The birds were gradually accustomed to the equipment by initially wearing fake backpacks, ensuring they acclimated to the added weight over time.
The study involved a flock of approximately 16 pigeons released along a familiar route, allowing them to return to their loft where the equipment was removed for data retrieval. Findings revealed that pigeons exhibit deliberate eye movements during flight, potentially enhancing their perception of the surroundings.
Contrary to previous assumptions, pigeons do not keep their eyes fixed while flying. The research challenged the belief that birds stabilize their eyes to simplify visual information processing during movement. The study by the California Institute of Technology, which observed pigeons flying at lower altitudes, contrasted with the UBC study, which involved higher-altitude flights, shedding light on differing eye movement patterns based on flight conditions.
Moreover, the study suggested that drones could benefit from mimicking birds’ eye movements to gather more comprehensive environmental data. By implementing adaptable cameras that adjust during flight, drones could enhance their functionality and efficiency, as noted by wildlife biology expert David Bird.
In conclusion, the study underscores the potential for integrating avian insights into drone technology, highlighting the value of studying natural behaviors to enhance artificial systems.
