Swimming Robotic Taxidermy Duck for Wildlife Monitoring: Development and Initial Testing

Abstract

Conventional drones used for wildlife monitoring often introduce stress and alter animal behavior due to their artificial appearance and intrusive nature. To address this, this paper presents the design, development, and initial testing of a swimming robotic duck that uses biomimicry to achieve non-invasive observation. The device leverages a taxidermy Mallard duck to create a realistic visual profile, minimizing the ecological footprint and blending into the natural environment. The robot is propelled by a biomimetic kicking-leg mechanism and is controlled by an Arduino-based system housed within a custom watertight shell. Initial field tests in a pond environment confirmed the design's potential, as live ducks approached and interacted with the robotic duck with minimal hesitation. However, these tests also highlighted key challenges for future development, including the degradation of the taxidermy skin and feathers in water, the susceptibility of the leg mechanism to submerged flora, and the need for control system refinement. The project successfully demonstrates the basic mobility and visual realism of the concept, underscoring the potential for bio-inspired robotics while identifying critical areas for improving material durability and mechanical robustness for environmental monitoring applications.