Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk.

Paule Dagenais, Sean Hensman, Valérie Haechler, Michel C Milinkovitch

November 2021 Curr Biol

Synopsis of Social media discussions

Discussion threads frequently express support for the research, with examples like references to how the simplified biomechanics aid robotic design, and posts sharing videos and external links, demonstrating active engagement and recognition of the study’s potential applications. The tone varies from enthusiastic praise to curiosity about the authors, reflecting a moderate but focused impact on the community’s understanding and interest.

A
Agreement
 Strong agreement

Most posts explicitly endorse or acknowledge the significance of the research, with some sharing positive remarks or retweets supporting the findings.

I
Interest
 Moderate level of interest

Reactions show a moderate level of curiosity, especially with posts mentioning applications like robotics and natural inspiration, though some are merely sharing or referencing the publication.

E
Engagement
 High engagement

Many contributions involve retweets, mentions of the research's implications, and curiosity about the authors, indicating active interest and deeper engagement.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

While there is recognition of the study’s relevance, especially in robotics and natural evolution, the discussions mostly highlight interest rather than indicating a groundbreaking impact on broader scientific or societal levels.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Twitter

22 Posts

News

8 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

68,417

Total Likes

166

Extended Reach

568,686

Social Features

32

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Biomechanics of Elephant Trunk Simplification and Motion Analysis

Biomechanics of Elephant Trunk Simplification and Motion Analysis

In March 2020, a team of scientists from the University of Geneva investigated the biomechanics of the African elephant trunk using 3D motion capture, revealing strategies that simplify complex movements for precise object manipulation. The VR version offers immersive experience.

The LANE channel

August 23, 2021

67,370 views

Biomechanical Strategies of the African Elephant Trunk Explained

Biomechanical Strategies of the African Elephant Trunk Explained

This video explains how elephants have evolved strategies to simplify their trunk's complex biomechanics, enabling precise manipulation of heavy objects while reducing movement complexity. Using advanced imaging, the study links basic movement patterns to muscle function and robotic design.

The LANE channel

August 23, 2021

1,047 views

  • Tawfik soukieh
    @soukieh (Twitter)

    The 360° video of our mission in South Africa (March 2020). https://t.co/MGoSI7nMAK via @YouTube
    view full post

    September 16, 2021

  • fernanda castano
    @ferwen (Twitter)

    Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk: Current Biology https://t.co/hVnSLWmiiy
    view full post

    August 31, 2021

    4

  • Nicole Robertson
    @NicoleR56426190 (Twitter)

    RT @TomHoltzPaleo: Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/Bjrg7dXE5O
    view full post

    August 29, 2021

    4

  • Esther ten Wolthuis
    @Eire353 (Twitter)

    Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/piffVcWV1a https://t.co/OBbnROxiRq
    view full post

    August 29, 2021

  • Kuzco
    @Kuzco297 (Twitter)

    RT @TomHoltzPaleo: Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/Bjrg7dXE5O
    view full post

    August 29, 2021

    4

  • Darío Estraviz López
    @DarioEstraviz (Twitter)

    RT @TomHoltzPaleo: Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/Bjrg7dXE5O
    view full post

    August 29, 2021

    4

  • Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
    @TomHoltzPaleo (Twitter)

    Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/Bjrg7dXE5O
    view full post

    August 29, 2021

    17

    4

  • David M OTIENO
    @dmuyai (Twitter)

    RT @operationdanish: Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk while providing infinite degrees of…
    view full post

    August 28, 2021

    4

  • Evan Kirstel #B2B #TechFluencer
    @EvanKirstel (Twitter)

    RT @operationdanish: Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk while providing infinite degrees of…
    view full post

    August 28, 2021

    4

  • Tech News around the World
    @tnatw (Twitter)

    RT @operationdanish: Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk while providing infinite degrees of…
    view full post

    August 28, 2021

    4

  • Dr Danish
    @operationdanish (Twitter)

    Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk while providing infinite degrees of freedom…. now we’re using it to build better robots https://t.co/PWXvuwF7n2 @tnatw
    view full post

    August 28, 2021

    3

    4

  • Pierre MONGE
    @p_monge858 (Twitter)

    Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk: Current Biology. De tout temps , la nature a inspiré l’être humain. La copier, c’est mieux que la détruire. https://t.co/EIbUyiuGR6
    view full post

    August 28, 2021

  • NoFluffTweets
    @LinkedInDropout (Twitter)

    RT @newselephant: #Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/0SwRhlCBix
    view full post

    August 27, 2021

    6

  • Jett Britnell, FRCGS
    @jettbritnell (Twitter)

    RT @newselephant: #Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/0SwRhlCBix
    view full post

    August 27, 2021

    6

  • Andrea
    @AndiRalph (Twitter)

    Our study is the first combined quantitative analysis of the mechanical performance, kinematic strategies, and functional morphology of the largest animal muscular hydrostat on Earth https://t.co/FtArkJxBoP
    view full post

    August 27, 2021

  • Robby
    @Robby68142735 (Twitter)

    RT @newselephant: #Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/0SwRhlCBix
    view full post

    August 27, 2021

    6

  • Will Parker
    @WillPar59226729 (Twitter)

    RT @newselephant: #Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/0SwRhlCBix
    view full post

    August 27, 2021

    6

  • Future for Elephants
    @ElephantsFuture (Twitter)

    RT @newselephant: #Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/0SwRhlCBix
    view full post

    August 27, 2021

    6

  • Journal of African Elephants
    @newselephant (Twitter)

    #Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/0SwRhlCBix
    view full post

    August 27, 2021

    9

    6

  • John Roberts
    @elehelp (Twitter)

    Some really cool looking work on the complexity of the elephant trunk: https://t.co/MFdXNUq9b0 I feel an #ElephantProfessional coming on if I can track the authors down. @StreamScience_ do you know them?
    view full post

    August 26, 2021

    1

  • Ordo Fraterna Fibonacci
    @OrdoFibonacci (Twitter)

    Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk https://t.co/EfB3FYdmHJ
    view full post

    August 24, 2021

  • Funny Slut
    @funny_slut_666 (Twitter)

    The 360° video of our mission in South Africa (March 2020). https://t.co/n5jJyth6v3 via @YouTube
    view full post

    August 24, 2021

  • Proboscidean sensitive soft robot for versatile gripping ...

    DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.029. Closed-Loop Dynamic Control of a Soft Manipulator Using Deep Reinforcement Learning (si apre in una nuova finestra). Autori ...
    view full post

    December 18, 2025

    News

  • Brickson Et Al 2023 Elephants and Algorithms A Review of The ...

    (doi:10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.029) Strathclyde, UK. 2018 Dry season aerial survey of elephants and 2. Chevalier-Skolnikoff S, Liska J. 1993 Tool use by 14 ...
    view full post

    December 18, 2025

    News

  • All You Know About Elephant | PDF | Elephant | Zoology

    doi:10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.029 (https://doi.org/1 0.1016%2Fj.cub.2021.08.029) . PMID 34428468 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3442846 8) . S2CID 237273086 ...
    view full post

    December 18, 2025

    News

  • Spi Robots | PDF | Robotics | Force

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.029. 5. Kim, S., Laschi, C., and Trimmer, B. (2013). Soft robotics: a bioinspired evolution in robotics. Trends in
    view full post

    December 18, 2025

    News

  • Proboscidean sensitive soft robot for versatile gripping ...

    DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.029. Closed-Loop Dynamic Control of a Soft Manipulator Using Deep Reinforcement Learning (opens in new window).
    view full post

    February 24, 2025

    News

  • Understanding how elephants use their trunk | EurekAlert!

    10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.029. Method of Research. Experimental study. Subject of Research. Animals. Article Title. Elephants evolved strategies ...
    view full post

    August 23, 2021

    News

  • Understanding how elephants use their trunk | ScienceDaily

    Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk. Current Biology, 2021; DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.029. Cite ...
    view full post

    August 23, 2021

    News

  • Comprendre comment les éléphants utilisent leur trompe | EurekAlert!

    10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.029. Method of Research. Experimental study. Subject of Research. Animals. Article Title. Elephants evolved strategies ...
    view full post

    August 23, 2021

    News

Abstract Synopsis

  • Elephants have evolved strategies that simplify the complex biomechanics of their trunk, allowing for precise and heavy object manipulation while reducing movement complexity.
  • The study shows that complex trunk behaviors are built from basic movement patterns, which can be represented through curvature, torsion, and strain, enabling the extraction of specific motion primitives.
  • Using advanced imaging and motion capture, the research links these movement primitives to muscle function, revealing detailed anatomy and demonstrating that the elephant trunk's motion shares similarities with human hand movements, providing insights for designing soft robotic arms.