DEATH FROM ABOVE
Frankenstein scientists create flocks of creepy zombie drones out of DEAD BIRDS in haunting spy experiments
Watch the video below to see the bizarre birds being made and tested out
ZOMBIE duck drones have been made by scientists using eerie flocks of dead birds in a haunting set of spy experiments.
Clever biomimetic roboticists at New Mexico Tech have miraculously discovered a way to use deceased animal parts to create realistic flying and swimming impostors.
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The Frankenstein scientists believe that the taxidermy bird drones will be able to help wildlife in a natural way by blending into a natural environment and sending information back to research centres.
The idea was first revealed to the public last year but hardworking boffins have now been able to transform it into reality.
They have managed to make use of dead pigeons, pheasants and ducks by bringing them back to life as zombie robots.
Flying drones have been created by replicating the birds wings with mainly pigeons being used.
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The scientists have placed a camera in their necks which acts as a live-stream which feeds back to researchers.
As have specially designed duck feet to ensure the birds can glide through the water and blend in seamlessly.
Assistant professor of mechanical engineering Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian explained how and why the team have been creating the dystopian devices.
He said: "The latest developments in the project focus on two taxidermy-preserved mallard ducks, engineered as both flapping and swimming drones.
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"The swimming version replicates the duck's leg movements, enabling realistic, natural motion in water.
"This innovative project blends avian physiology with advanced drone mechanics to create drones that closely mimic the natural flight patterns and behaviours of real birds."
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Hassanalian assured the public that the team don't kill any birds for the devices.
The team are yet to crack a final bizarre version of their research as they hope to be able to develop zombie birds that can perch in trees.
They are looking to integrate shape memory alloys into the claws of taxidermy pigeons to help it dig its claws into branches.
The hope is to spread the birds around certain areas to allow scientists to observe wildlife without scaring off any other animal.
Dr Hassanalian added: "Drones are being used for wildlife monitoring however, they create lots of noise which could scare the animals.
"No real birds were physically harmed in the making of the drones, and we do not intend to do this at all.
"We have only used the feathers and taxidermy birds that are available in the market and have worked with local taxidermy artists."
Many see the clever idea as a key breakthrough in science but also a potential gateway into espionage due to the advanced technology being used.
Despite these fears Hassanalian assured the public they are strictly working towards a better monitored environment rather than any top secret spy work.
Although he does say they could be deployed as part of security operations to monitor the movement of certain figures.
The team also hope to expand their zombified drone collection to include snakes, lizards and even frogs in the future.
Another key reason for using the dead animals is due to how the wildlife interacts with certain drones and cameras already used.
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Researchers have found that often birds will see drones as a threat and try to obstruct them or even hit them out of the sky due to not seeing them in their paths.
So by using the modified zombie tech they hope it will reduce the number of aerial accidents as well as protect both the drones and the animals.
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