Ideating Towards Real-World Solutions: The Design of Vulture Eggs

Certain species of birds are endangered due to increased human population, pollution, destruction of habitat (through development for habitation, logging, agriculture, invasive plants, energy infrastructure, and poisoning), bird trafficking and even egg collecting. This is in addition to exacerbated natural influences, such as climate change and global warming. A critical point in research is determining how to incubate the eggs of different species that have been negatively affected by these factors in order to aid in hatching levels. This is to address declining bird populations of certain vulnerable species.

This is where the UP Library MakerSpace collaborated with the Department of Zoology and one of its subsidiaries, VulPro, who specialise in vulture conservation. Using a process of ideation, a creative process that generates, develops and communicates new ideas, solutions were formulated to facilitate the collection of needed incubation data. The solution: design an artificial egg that can be placed in the nests of vultures to collect data on temperature, moisture levels and sit times. This could be studied to understand ideal nest conditions and ensure optimal hatching of future eggs in simulated environments.

To realise this solution, rapid prototyping technologies were used to render egg designs that could hold sensors capable of recording temperature and moisture levels. To create these designs, computer-aided design (CAD), the usage of specialised computer software to design digital models, was implemented,using advanced vector-based graphics systems. CAD models can convey information such as materials, processes, dimensions, and tolerances in addition to standard schematic information. From these designs, 3D printers within the MakerSpace were used to create real-world iterations for testing. 3D printing, sometimes referred to as additive manufacturing, involves layering materials, like plastics, composites or biomaterials to create objects that range in shape, size, material, rigidity and colour. 3D printing is used because its products are flexible, accurate, and can be made relatively fast, making it a promising tool for the future of manufacturing. For the eggs in question, super PLA plastic was used as it is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly medium.

After several test versions and design changes, we could produce eggs that could accurately hold sensors and simulate organic eggs. These artificial eggs will be placed in nests to gather data in order to study and replicate egg incubation conditions and improve species survival.

Overall, there are various services on offer at the University of Pretoria Library MakerSpace that can aid you in your research. We look forward to meeting you to collaborate and drive research outputs with new and novel technologies!

Ideation drawing 

Computer designed egg version

3D Printed outputs