Kategorie: News
Studies show how octopuses use their arms in a targeted manner
Octopuses are true masters of mobility and flexibility. Their arms enable an astonishing range of behaviors, from foraging for food to navigating complex underwater landscapes. New scientific studies are now shedding light on how these animals use their arms in nature and what principles can be derived from this for the development of modern robots.
One of the leading researchers in this field, Chelsea Bennice from Florida Atlantic University, has conducted a study investigating the use of arms in wild octopuses in various natural habitats. The study found that in approximately 64 percent of the cases observed, the front four arms are used for exploration, touching, and targeted movements, while the rear arms are more responsible for locomotion. The rear arms are used particularly frequently when rolling across the seabed or stretching upwards – movement patterns that serve to move around on the seabed.
Background
The nervous system of octopuses is hierarchical and largely decentralized. The center is formed by the central brain, which is responsible for complex control and learning processes.
The majority of neurons in the nervous system are located directly in the arms. The arms have their own peripheral nervous system, which contains even more neurons than the brain of some vertebrates. This neural supply in the arms enables squid to perform many movements and reactions independently, without the need for active intervention by the central brain.
The nerve cells in the arms control muscle movements, deformations, and sensory perception directly on site. The arms are connected to each other by a multitude of nerve fibers, which allows for coordinated movement and rapid response to environmental stimuli. This decentralized nervous system makes the arms of octopuses incredibly adaptable and flexible, as they can interact and react independently with the environment.
Behavior similar to primates
The study is based on the analysis of 25 video clips recorded between 2007 and 2015 in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean, and covers the species common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Octopus insularis, and Octopus americanus. In total, the scientists examined 15 different behaviors characterized by twelve different arm movements and four typical movement patterns. The study showed that the arms are not only versatile, but also exhibit a kind of functional specialization: the front arms are primarily responsible for exploring the environment, while the rear arms are mainly used for locomotion – comparable to the behavior of primates.
This task-specific use of arms in animals has previously been observed mainly in mammals and birds. For octopuses, this is one of the first scientifically proven indications of such a functional division of labor. The findings are not only interesting for zoology, but could also revolutionize the development of smart robotic arms. Scientists already see replicating these movement principles as a promising approach to developing more flexible and adaptable robotic systems.
Nature shows how extraordinary the abilities of octopuses are. Their ability to control and stretch their arms in a targeted manner depending on the task at hand enables them to operate effectively in a wide variety of habitats and using different prey-catching techniques. In terms of technology, this means that If robotic arms have a similar range of motion and flexibility in the future, they could play a significant role in areas such as medicine, emergency services, and environmental monitoring.
In summary, the research not only demonstrates the high adaptability of octopuses in their natural environment, but also provides a valuable source of inspiration for innovative technologies. Even in an increasingly digitalized world, nature remains a role model for the development of smart, flexible systems.
Original study - Nature.com: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-10674-y