The seahorse is one of nature’s more singular oddities. With a strange, square-shaped tail, the anatomy of this creature is unlike anything else seen among its fellow fish. And today, with the advantages offered by 3D printing technology, scientists are looking into how this unique structure might be replicated to be of use to humans.
Using 3D printed models of the seahorse tail, it was determined that the boxy structure offers the seahorse superior strength and dexterity, compared to the more conventional round-shaped tail. When predatory birds attempt to pluck the fish from the water, these tails serve to anchor them firmly in place. The bird then release their prey, and the square-shaped plates of the tail slide back into place with little energy expenditure on the part of the seahorse.
Engineers hope to replicate this effect in robotics, where it is important to combine strength with energy efficiency and flexibility. One potential application lies in medical robots, which may be able to use a seahorse-like appendage to perform surgical operations.
