HuBot: From 3D Scanning to Field Trials
End-to-end summary of HuBot’s pipeline—from specimen scanning and digital modeling to fabrication, assembly, and outdoor field trials.
We present a bio-inspired robotic platform designed to replicate the appearance and basic movement patterns of the Houbara bustard for use in behavioral research. The design process began with high-resolution 3D scanning of a preserved specimen, followed by CAD modeling and lightweight shell fabrication using 3D printing. To achieve a realistic visual appearance, we used high-fidelity plastic wraps created from digital texture maps.
For mobility, we developed a six-wheeled rocker-bogie-style drive system that allows the robot to move smoothly over uneven ground, enabling close interaction with birds in natural or semi-natural environments. The platform carries RGB and thermal cameras, with onboard processing using an NVIDIA Jetson for real-time detection, tracking, and autonomous motion control.
In controlled trials, the robotic Houbara successfully triggered natural responses from live birds, including mating and approach behaviors. Thermal imaging confirmed that its heat signature closely matched that of a real bird, helping to maintain realism. Beyond research, the robot serves as an engaging tool for science outreach and exhibitions, combining biomimetic design with practical field robotics.
End-to-end summary of HuBot’s pipeline—from specimen scanning and digital modeling to fabrication, assembly, and outdoor field trials.
HuBot’s neck tracking system mimics bird-like head movements for real-time target following and environmental awareness, enabling responsive interaction in the field.
Dual-mode capture (RGB + thermal) for synchronized environmental documentation and multimodal field data collection.
Citation:
Lyes Saad Saoud∗, Enrico Sorato†, Loïc Lesobre†, Irfan Hussain∗
Bio-Inspired Robotic Houbara: From Development to Field Deployment for Behavioral Studies
arXiv