Brittle Stars Could Teach Robots To See With Their Skin

Brittle stars, unlike their sea star relatives, lack eyes but can still perceive light through their skin using a process called extraocular photoreception. This ability is facilitated by light-sensitive proteins called opsins, which interact with nerves in their skin. Recent studies have debunked the idea that their skin functions like a compound eye, instead highlighting the role of opsins. This discovery has potential applications in robotics, where machines could be designed to see without centralized control systems, allowing for more resilient and adaptable technology.

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