As demonstrated in this video, a large shield mounted to a turtle’s shell can be remotely spun to make it think there’s an obstacle to the left or right of it. And instinctively it goes in the opposite direction to avoid it, allowing someone at the controls to effectively steer it remotely.
Of course this setup is a little clunky—and a little conspicuous—to be used in the field. But sensor-laden surveillance turtles, or other animals, could one day be released into dangerous areas wearing tiny LCD shutter goggles instead that simulate obstacles in their field of view allowing them to be controlled just like a drone.
via Gizmodo
