Bumblebees have no problem finding their way home after being out on long and complicated trips, shows new research from Lund University. They have a very good sense of direction, at least as good as humans.
Bumblebees can store previous experiences in their long-term memory, by monitoring directions and distances when they fly.
"Our study provides important keys to understanding how bumblebees can achieve seemingly mammal-like navigation feats despite only using a brain the size of a pinhead", says Rickesh Patel, researcher in sensory biology at Lund University and co-author of the study, in a press release.
The purpose of the research is not only to understand bumblebees better. The researchers also hope that it can inspire new technology, such as robots that can navigate without being dependent on GPS satellites.
