Scientists are on the verge of bringing ancient land creatures back to life

In October 2024, researchers at the University of Cambridge began an innovative project aimed at recreating the movements of early vertebrates, specifically the first land animals that evolved from ancient fish. This initiative is part of the ongoing work at the university’s Bio-Inspired Robotics Laboratory (BIRL), which has a history of groundbreaking robotics projects that bridge biology and technology. The team’s paleo-inspired robots are not conventionally designed machines; they are sophisticated constructs mirroring the anatomy and biomechanics of ancient fish that existed during the Late Devonian period. As part of their exploration into the evolutionary journey of these creatures, the researchers focus on how alterations in fin structures could have facilitated the transition from aquatic to terrestrial movement. By engineering robots that mimic these ancient species, the team endeavors to observe the potential adaptations animals might have made to their anatomy as they began to thrive on land. The approach taken by BIRL marks a significant deviation from traditional methods of studying evolutionary biology, which heavily rely on fossil records and computer simulations to interpret the past. These new paleo-robots are anticipated to provide more dynamic insights; unlike fossils, which provide static images of ancient life, or simulations that approximate movements, these robots allow scientists to see firsthand how early vertebrates could have navigated their environments. They can adjust the robots in real-time to adapt to different terrains, which is key for studying the environmental challenges faced by these ancient creatures as they evolved. The implications of this research extend to better understanding the ecological obstacles ancient species encountered during their transition from water to land. By observing how fin positioning and body weight distribution might have affected movement, the researchers hope to uncover fundamental insights into the mechanics of evolution and the adaptations necessary for survival in new habitats. In addition to its evolutionary interests, this project also aims to apply findings from biorobotics to practical challenges. For instance, the research team is looking into developing bio-inspired modular robotic miners based on similar design principles as the paleo-robots to improve how we access underground resources. The overarching goal is to create robots capable of adapting to their surroundings and enhancing operational efficiency, which could have real-world applications ranging from disaster recovery efforts to automation in agriculture. This innovative combination of biorobotics and evolutionary biology showcases the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research that bridges the gap between ancient history and technological advancement.