Remote-controlled rover doesn’t spook penguins

Compared with human scientists, robots offer a less obtrusive way to get close to critters

rover disguised as emperor penguin chick

TROJAN PENGUIN  An emperor penguin and chick watch a disguised rover roll up to them. The rover helps collect data without stressing the animals.

Y. Le Maho et al/Nature Methods 2014

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Skittish penguins let their guard down when researchers send a fluffy “robochick” into their midst.