Remember the satirical “birds not real” conspiracy theory that took the internet by claiming that birds were government surveillance drones, not real animals? You may want to keep your wings, as it seems that you have accidentally made the
What are these “bird drones”?
In a landmark project released by the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space Research, a group of scientists describe how to turn dead birds into drones that could potentially spy on people. The idea of a bird drone has been floating around for a while, but this new development breathes a whole new life – literally – into the concept.
Bird drones look and move like real birds, making them difficult to detect. ( )
The researchers’ method involves carefully attaching lightweight electronic components to preserved bird carcasses. These components include small cameras, microphones, and other essential gadgets that allow the “bird drone” to perform surveillance tasks.
The end result is a drone that looks, moves and is difficult to detect like a real bird. The taxidermy-like uninhabited bird is called an “ornithopter”, designed to flap its wings and fly like a bird, powered by a mechanical propeller.
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It’s not all doom and gloom
Before you panic and wrap your head around the idea that these birds are being monitored by drones, it’s important to note that the researchers’ primary intention is not to support mass surveillance. Instead, their goal is to explore new ways of incorporating biomimicry (imitation of nature’s biological design) into technology. Scientists believe the technology will help experts better study wildlife and track deforestation.
The idea of a bird drone has been floating around for a while, but this new development has breathed a whole new life into the concept. ( )
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final thoughts
Of course, there is always the potential for such technology to be abused. In an age of heightened privacy concerns, it is imperative to consider the ethical implications of innovations like Byrd’s drones. Nevertheless, the project is still very interesting and now makes me question every bird I see.
Seagulls flutter as the sun rises behind the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Tower in New York City on March 26, 2023. (Gary Harthorne/Getty Images)
Are you fascinated by the possibilities of biomimicry, or does the thought of bird-like drones spying on us send shivers down your spine? CyberGuy.com/contact
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