HOUSTON, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Scientists at the New Mexico Tech, a public university in the U.S. state of New Mexico, have developed drones using real bird parts, local media outlet KOAT Action 7 reported Tuesday.
The taxidermy drones are designed to look and fly like real birds with authentic feathers and flapping wings, which will help the drones blend with wildlife and assist pilots by deterring birds from entering airspace or colliding with aircraft, according to the report.
Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian, lead researcher and mechanical engineering professor at the New Mexico Tech, namely the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, believes these drones can save lives, money, and the environment, the report added.
His research team has spent the past two years developing pheasant, mallard duck and pigeon drones and robots, the USA Today reported last week, noting that the drones are still in testing and the team is now looking at obtaining permission to fly the drones among real birds in non-simulated environments.
The animatronic birds may be used to study avian formations, coloration and communication, in addition to other natural ecosystems, said the USA Today report. ■