Robotic replicas of ancient fish offer insights into the evolution of terrestrial locomotion

Artist drawings of palaeo-inspired robots. Credit: University of Cambridge

In a remarkable intersection of robotics and evolutionary biology, scientists are bringing the ancient world of early vertebrates to life, specifically the fish species thought to be the first to transition from water to land.

Spearheaded by the University of Cambridge, this study leverages robotic technology to replicate the movement and energy demands of these ancient creatures, revealing insights into their skeletal structures, joint functions, and potential locomotive patterns.

By designing robots that mimic these early vertebrates' anatomy and movement, researchers aim to decode how these creatures adapted to new environmental challenges, potentially shedding light on the origins of land-dwelling vertebrates.

The research primarily focuses on analysing the physical mechanics required for these prehistoric fish to navigate shallow waters and eventually move onto land—a significant evolutionary milestone.

By constructing robotic models with flexible joints and fins, scientists test different movement styles, exploring how various forms of locomotion might have emerged and stabilised over time. This approach enables a deeper understanding of the evolutionary pressures and physical adaptations that drove the transition to terrestrial life, offering a unique perspective on vertebrate evolution.

These experiments do more than reconstruct history; they hold promise for practical applications as well. Insights from the robots' movement patterns may aid in developing agile, energy-efficient robots that can navigate diverse environments, from underwater terrains to rugged landscapes. This research exemplifies how studying the past can inform future technological advancements, bridging the gap between evolutionary biology and robotics in innovative ways.

The study is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary approaches in science, combining engineering, biology, and palaeontology to explore one of the most transformative periods in evolutionary history. As scientists refine these robotic models, we move closer to understanding how early vertebrates conquered land, paving the way for the diverse ecosystems we see today.

Lead author Dr Michael Ishida from Cambridge’s Department of Engineering, said: “Since fossil evidence is limited, we have an incomplete picture of how ancient life made the transition to land.

“Palaeontologists examine ancient fossils for clues about the structure of hip and pelvic joints, but there are limits to what we can learn from fossils alone.

“That’s where robots can come in, helping us fill gaps in the research, particularly when studying major shifts in how vertebrates moved.”

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