Long-extinct animals could be resurrected as robots to shed light on evolution

Researchers say extinct marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs could be recreated as robots. Photograph: Arterra Picture Library/Alamy

A robotic Tyrannosaurus rex might seem best placed in a Jurassic horror movie but researchers say machines based on extinct animals could help shed light on evolution.

Scientists say the nascent field of “paleo-inspired robotics” can bring fossils to life and help researchers explore how changes in anatomy have affected the way animals move, their speed, and how much energy they use.