IIT-Mandi researcher decodes homing behaviour of animals

Mandi, August 27

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, has made significant advances in understanding how animals navigate back home after foraging, even when confronted with unexpected detours. Using small, programmable robots, IIT-Mandi’s researcher explored the complexities of homing behaviour within a controlled environment.

The ability to return home after activities like migration or foraging is crucial to many animals. Homing pigeons, for example, are renowned for their ability to deliver messages over long distances due to their exceptional navigation skills. Similarly, sea turtles, salmon and monarch butterflies undertake long journeys to return to their birthplaces.

This homing behaviour, common in nature, has long intrigued scientists.

According to the researchers, different species use various strategies to achieve homing. Some rely on path integration, calculating their return based on the distance travelled and direction, while others depend on environmental cues such as smells, landmarks, star positions or the Earth’s magnetic field. Despite these varied methods, homing is typically a highly efficient process. However, the influence of random factors or “noise” on animal navigation remains an area of ongoing research.

A spokesperson for IIT-Mandi said the research team investigated these patterns using small robots designed to mimic animal behaviour.

These robots, approximately 7.5 cm in diameter, are equipped with sensors to detect objects and light, enabling these to locate a “home” marked by the brightest light source. The robots navigate using independently controlled wheels and adjust their paths based on light intensity, similar to certain animals.

“The researcher found that beyond an optimal level of randomness, the duration of homing remains unaffected. Computer simulations further supported these findings, revealing that occasional ‘resets,’ where the robots reoriented directly towards home, enhanced their ability to correct their paths,” he added.

Dr Harsh Soni, Assistant Professor, IIT-Mandi’s School of Physical Sciences, highlighted the broader implications of this research. He said, “These findings could inform the development of better navigation systems for autonomous vehicles and improve search and rescue missions. Additionally, the study offers valuable insights into cellular dynamics, where similar processes might be at play.”

The theoretical and numerical aspects of the research were conducted by Dr Harsh Soni from IIT-Mandi, along with Dr Arnab Pal and Arup Biswas from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai. The experimental work was led by Dr Nitin Kumar and Somnath Paramanich from IIT-Bombay.

The research provides new perspectives on the physics of homing and opens avenues for further exploration in both biological and technological contexts.