The Ant’s Neck
MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
marvel at the ability of a
common ant to lift weights
many times heavier than its
own body. To understand
this ability, engineers at Ohio
State University, U.S.A.,
reverse engineered some of
the ant’s anatomy, physical
properties, and mechanical
functions by means of
computer models. The
models were created using
X-ray cross-sectional
images (micro CT scans) and
simulations of the forces an
ant generates when carrying
loads.
A critical part of the ant’s
anatomy is its neck, which
has to bear the full weight of
loads grasped in its mouth.
Soft tissues within the ant’s
neck bind with the stiff
exoskeleton of its thorax
(body) and head in a manner
that mimics the interlocking
of fingers in folded hands.
“The design and structure of
this interface is critical for the
performance of the neck
joint,” says one of the
researchers. “The unique
interface between hard and
soft materials likely
strengthens the adhesion
and may be a key structural
design feature that enables
the large load capacity of the
neck joint.” Researchers
hope that a clear grasp of
how the ant’s neck functions
will contribute to
advancements in the design
of man-made robotic
mechanisms.
What do you think? Did the
ant’s neck with its complex
and highly integrated
mechanical systems evolve?
Or was it designed?