Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian, a mechanical engineering professor at New Mexico Tech, has developed drones inspired by birds to aid in wildlife monitoring. By using the bodies of taxidermied birds and adding robotic technology, the drones are able to move and fly like real birds without disturbing wildlife. These drones are particularly useful for studying the flight patterns and behaviors of birds, as well as for airport safety and border security purposes. Hassanalian emphasizes that the drones are not meant for surveillance and are focused on ethical and moral applications.
The research team is also branching out into other animals like snakes and frogs, as well as building a turkey drone for educational purposes. The goal is to inspire younger students to pursue careers in the aerospace industry and think outside the box. A new drone research facility is under construction at New Mexico Tech, and Hassanalian hopes that these innovative projects will pave the way for future generations of students interested in drone technology.
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