One of the biggest technological trends that we are likely to see going forward is the merging of biology and tech. So called “wetware” that imbues robots and artificial intelligence with biomimicry inspired designs or actual biological parts to help them perform better. Ultimately culminating in that moment in time, The Singularity, where man and machine combine into one as well. But before we get to that point we have a useful invention to geek out over: the Smellicopter.
As New Atlas puts it:
“No matter how good we humans have made something, chances are nature did it better millions of years ago. Rather than compete, it’s often better to tap into the natural version – and that’s exactly what scientists have done with the Smellicopter, a drone that uses an antenna from a live moth to sniff out its targets.”
Geek Wire further explains how it works:
“The autonomous drone uses the antenna — wired directly to its electrical circuit — to navigate toward smells. The small Smellicopter also senses and avoids obstacles as it flies, thanks to the Manduca sexta hawkmoth’s body part.
The research is intended to showcase how devices can can be used in areas that require faster, more sensitive odor processing or where it might be too dangerous for humans, including structures damaged in a disaster where gas leaks or explosives may be present.”
Such an invention is certainly impressive but it’s likely just the beginning? One of the first examples of a soon to be growing trend. Which begs the question: what other kinds of biological/technological hybrids could we discover? What else is out there just waiting to be discovered? Metaphorically speaking, perhaps we should send out a Smellicopter to sniff them out!
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