STEAM at home, A for Animals

«Even our most elaborate technological prostheses, such as those designed for flight, seem only pale imitations of pre-existing engineering and cognitive devices :just think of the robust and light skeleton of pteranodons, masterpieces of aerodynamics from eighty million years ago; to the "dynamic soaring" of albatrosses, which allows them to cover very long distances with minimal expenditure of energy; or orientation in pigeons, "flying remote sensing platforms" equipped with instruments for celestial navigation, broadband acoustic receivers, magnetic field sensors

- Mark Denny and Alan McFadzean in the book The engineering of animals

This is why man has always been inspired by what he knows, himself as we have seen for robotic hand and humanoid robots.And to nature and the animal world. As in the case of Velcro , its inventor was inspired by the thistle flowers that remained attached to his dog's fur during walks in the mountains.

Usborne, "Think like an Engineer", 2020

Then these scientists and engineers had fun. There are those who have created a soft jellyfish a few millimeters in size that can be controlled wirelessly and is able to swim, dig and transport objects.

The Crab Robot, a convinced environmentalist who captures the plastic that deposits on the seabed.

And Shelly, a turtle who commands respect.

By entering into a relationship with her, boys and girls learn to treat these technological means with delicacy and attention, controlling their own gestures and skills. As soon as she perceives a minimum of arrogance, Shelly puts her head back inside her carapace, while if she recognizes sensitivity and commitment, she plays with them and reveals her happiness by lighting up.

sensitive turtle_Giovanna Mancusi

medusa robot_Giovanna Mancusi

Robot crab_Giovanna Mancusi

Illustrations by Giovanna Mancusi

And what does technology do for animals?

Animals and nature are not only seen as teachers of abilities, but also as beings who may need help from humans and technology.

The mutual exchange means that mechanical engineers, in collaboration with veterinarians, are able to build orthopedic prostheses or microchips.

Civil engineers in Australia have even built bridges and underpasses to facilitate the migration of red crabs.

To find out more here is the link to the complete article with further information link.This is in fact an excerpt from the article written by Alice Fava and illustrated by Giovanna Mancusi.