How do ants build bridges?

Another example demonstrates the spirit of solidarity for the common goal of this tiny insect.

Learn about how to build bridges of ants

For a long time, ants have always been considered a symbol of solidarity . Because they can build amazing "buildings" together like giant underground ants without any "plan" or "leadership" at all. They can even use their own bodies to create a living bridge in order to shorten the distance of finding food for their fellow humans.

Ants link together to form a "shortcut".

Not only that, ants can also "dismantle" and transport their living bridges in the blink of an eye, so finding food becomes much more effective. Researchers unknowingly recorded the moment that ants built bridges in their labs. From there, they came to the conclusion that it is because of the ability to transport these living bridges that ants can move at full speed in all environmental conditions . The team believes that this will be very helpful for them in the process of creating self-propelled robot armies.

Previously, most people thought that these living bridges, after being completed, would become a permanent and stable structure. However, the researchers found that ants will actively change the shape of the bridge depending on the time . For example, when the number of ants moves high, the bridge will expand itself, or they will move the bridge to another position to create the shortest path. "Ants can create short cuts, as well as lengthen their bridges by increasing the number of bridge building ants - until they reach the goal," said Professor Christopher Reid.

Time-lapse process of building bridges of ants.

However, not always the goal of shortening the distance is also placed on top of ant species. Because, when increasing the number of ants involved in the construction of the bridge, this also means that there will be fewer ants seeking and collecting more food. "In many cases, ants can create much shorter roads, but instead they keep their bridge at the same place without extending it," Professor Reid added.

Scientists believe that studying the behavior of such small insects can be very helpful in creating self-propelled products, such as new materials capable of self-regulating. tuning, or robot "legions" . If successful, this will be helpful in disaster areas or rescue victims. Such robotic armies can do many extraordinary things, such as creating bridges to cross rugged terrain, automatically repairing fissures in buildings, or supporting the process of supporting buildings. The house is about to collapse.