Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi have made significant strides in understanding how animals successfully navigate back to their home after foraging, even when they encounter unexpected obstacles. Using small, programmable robots, the team studied homing behavior in a controlled setting to uncover the underlying mechanisms.
Importance of homing in nature
For many animals, the ability to return home after activities such as migration or foraging is essential. Homing pigeons, for instance, are famous for their ability to navigate over long distances, a skill that has been utilised for delivering messages. Similarly, animals like sea turtles, salmon, and monarch butterflies undertake extensive migrations to reach their birthplaces. These impressive homing abilities, which are common in nature, have long fascinated scientists.
Different strategies for navigational success
Different animal species employ various strategies to achieve successful homing. Some use path integration, a method that involves computing the return journey based on the distance travelled and the direction, while others rely on environmental cues like odours, landmarks, celestial bodies, or even the Earth’s magnetic field. Despite these diverse strategies, homing is usually a very efficient process. However, the role of random elements, or “noise,” in animal navigation is still not fully understood.
Robots mimicking animal behaviour
The research team at IIT Mandi used small robots to simulate animal navigation behaviours. These robots, which are about 7.5 cm in diameter, are equipped with sensors that allow them to detect objects and light, guiding them to a “home” indicated by the brightest light source. The robots navigate by independently controlling their wheels and adjust their movement according to the intensity of light, similar to certain animal behaviours.
Key findings: Optimal randomness and navigational efficiency
The study found that, beyond a certain optimal level of randomness, the time taken to return home remains consistent. Further computer simulations supported these findings, indicating that occasional “resets,” where the robots reorient directly towards home, significantly improved their ability to navigate effectively.
Broader implications of the study
Dr. Harsh Soni, Assistant Professor at the School of Physical Sciences, IIT Mandi, emphasised the broader implications of this research, stating, “Our findings could lead to the development of more advanced navigation systems for autonomous vehicles and enhance search and rescue operations. Additionally, the study provides important insights into cellular dynamics, where similar navigation processes might be occurring.”
Collaborative research and future directions
The study’s results have been published in the journal PRX LIFE. The theoretical and numerical aspects were conducted by Dr. Harsh Soni from IIT Mandi, along with Dr. Arnab Pal and Mr. Arup Biswas from The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai. The experimental component was led by Dr. Nitin Kumar and Somnath Paramanich from IIT Bombay.
This research offers new perspectives on the physics of homing behaviour and opens up possibilities for further exploration in both biological and technological contexts.