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In a study, a team of researchers led by Richard Desatnik and Carmel Majidi at a private research university, in collaboration with Zach Patterson from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has introduced a cutting-edge soft robot prototype named “Rhombot.” This biomimetic robot is set to revolutionise palaeontology, providing researchers with a unique tool to explore how long-extinct creatures once manoeuvred through their environments.
William Ausich, a Professor of earth sciences at Ohio State University, sheds light on the importance of this innovative approach to understanding paleoecology and the history of life on Earth. Ausich emphasises the significance of testing how ancient organisms operated to gain valuable insights into our planet’s evolutionary past.
The “Rhombot” was meticulously designed to mimic the anatomy and movement of Pleurocystites, an extinct genus of echinoderms that inhabited Earth’s ancient seas. Echinoderms, which include creatures like starfish, sea cucumbers, and sand dollars, are known for their distinct internal skeletons.
However, the Pleurocystites had a unique flattened body with two large feeding appendages, enabling them to move along the seafloor in a manner that remains shrouded in mystery due to the lack of fossils revealing their movement mechanics.
Palaeontologists have long sought to unravel the life habits of these ancient organisms, but the absence of pleurocystitid fossils with conclusive imprints has limited their ability to do so. Nevertheless, a new and innovative field known as “paleo bionics” has emerged, combining robotics advancements with established paleontological principles. This synergy bridges deep gaps in the fossil record and opens doors to exciting discoveries.
The creators of Rhombot initiated their research by replicating the unique connective tissue found in echinoderms. They conducted various theoretical and physical simulations to enable Rhombot to successfully move across a surface that mimics an ancient, hard seafloor. Their experiments yielded valuable results, confirming previous predictions about the ancient organisms’ movements.
Rhombot exhibited forward motion, with its feeding appendages leading the way due to the movement of its stem, a wide tail extending from its back. The team also observed that Rhombot’s speed was optimised by the sweeping gait of its tail, suggesting that real-life Pleurocystites with specific body-to-tail ratios might have developed an evolutionary trend for increased speed.
These findings hold immense promise for modelling extinct creatures for which modern analogues do not exist. Rhombot and similar soft robotic technologies could be used to analyse behavioural data from animals in other taxa and assess evolutionary changes from one ancient form to the next. This innovative approach to palaeontology, built on the foundation of soft robotics, opens new avenues for understanding Earth’s prehistoric inhabitants.
The implications of this research extend beyond palaeontology and into the broader field of environmental science. By offering a clearer picture of the evolutionary puzzle that spans millions of years, scientists may gain valuable insights into why certain species thrived while others faced extinction.
With current environmental concerns, including the threat of extinction for various species, this innovative research has the potential to guide conservation efforts and help mitigate the impacts of extinction events. The study may shed light on the ancient organisms that successfully adapted and thrived, providing a unique perspective on survival strategies.
While Rhombot is still in the early stages of development, its potential applications are vast. Beyond its scientific contributions, this biomimetic soft robot could be an educational tool. It can animate long-extinct prehistoric beings, allowing researchers and educators to show younger generations how these ancient creatures might have moved.
“This approach to palaeontology has the potential to inspire a newfound fascination with the lesser-known aspects of Earth’s history beyond the realm of dinosaurs,” expressed Ausich.
William Ausich further explained that to be able to show a child or student how a specimen lying in a rock might have actually moved—it just excites the imagination. The fusion of cutting-edge technology and paleontological exploration will leave an indelible mark on the scientific community and the imaginations of future generations.
