3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / News / Techno-Tort: 3D Printed Defense for Desert Tortoises
qidi

Techno-Tort: 3D Printed Defense for Desert Tortoises

October 5, 2023

In the Mojave Desert, Hardshell Labs employs “techno-torts” as deterrents against predatory ravens, aiming to protect vulnerable desert tortoises. These young tortoises, with their soft shells, fall prey to the ravens’ pecking, causing a sharp decline in their population.

Tim Shields, the founder of Hardshell Labs, saw the need for technological intervention. With the vision of creating a convincing faux tortoise, he collaborated with designer Frank Guercio, who used Autodesk Fusion360 for the task.

Techno-Tort: 3D Printed Defense for Desert Tortoises
Decoy tortoises, to baffle ravens. (Image Credit: Hardshell Labs)

Guercio utilized this tool to craft a 3D printed imitation tortoise shell for aversive training. This design not only mimics the appearance of real tortoises but also features an intriguing defense mechanism. On contact from a pecking raven, the techno-tort releases a spray of artificial grape flavoring, a scent that, peculiarly, repels birds. Fusion 360 has been instrumental in realizing Guercio’s innovative designs for conservation.

“Being able to import really complex geometries like an organic shape, like a tortoise, is very difficult to do in any sort of industry program,” said Guercio.

“When it comes to the tortoise specifically, there was so much legwork on the back end to get it into a position where I could then mechanically edit it as an object. Fusion 360 has been a fantastic tool. We can create structures inside of the tortoise that was next to impossible about five years ago.”

Hardshell Labs
A raven gets a beakload of surprise. (Image Credit: Hardshell Labs)

The 3D printed techno-torts could potentially herald a shift in conservation strategies, leveraging technology for ecological balance. As industries evolve, the integration of technological solutions in conservational efforts might become more prevalent.

Source: autodesk.com

Come and let us know your thoughts on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly additive manufacturing newsletter to get all the latest stories delivered right to your inbox.

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
About the author | Phillip Keane
Phillip is an aerospace engineer from UK. He is a graduate of Coventry University (UK), International Space University (France) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), where he studied Advanced Manufacturing at the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing.
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Latest posts

QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

QuesTek Innovations has partnered with a global niobium producer to develop a high-temperature alloy designed for additive manufacturing. The project targets aerospace and... read more »

3D Printing Metal
QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

Autodesk Research and Additive Tectonics Develop 3D Printed Floor System with Alternative Materials

Autodesk Research has partnered with Additive Tectonics to develop a new approach to concrete floor construction using 3D printing technology. The collaboration combines... read more »

Construction

NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has installed a new laser-powered metal 3D printer at its Flatirons Campus to support marine energy device... read more »

3D Printing Metal
NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

Apple Adopts 3D Printing for Titanium USB-C Ports in New iPhone Air

Apple’s latest smartphone release marks a quiet but notable step in consumer electronics manufacturing: the company has confirmed that its new iPhone Air... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Apple Iphone 17 air

GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

GKN Aerospace announced the expansion of its Newington, Connecticut facility to include a new production line for additively manufactured Fan Case Mount Ring... read more »

Aerospace
GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

UltiMaker has introduced its Secure Line of 3D printing products specifically designed for defense and high-security environments. The initial lineup includes the UltiMaker... read more »

News
UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has completed production of its largest additive manufacturing metal component to date - a 90kg suspension and differential... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

Designer Creates Modular Sneakers with 3D Printed Soles and Climbing Rope Laces

Daniyar Uderbekov, a designer based in Kazakhstan, has developed UDRB, a pair of modular sneakers designed to address environmental concerns in the footwear... read more »

Fashion

Nestlé Expands 3D Printing Operations for Manufacturing Parts Across UK Sites

Nestlé has implemented standardized 3D printing processes across its UK manufacturing facilities over the past year. The company uses a team of three... read more »

News
Nestlé Expands 3D Printing Operations for Manufacturing Parts Across UK Sites

Cornell Researchers Develop 3D Printing Method for Enhanced Superconductors

Cornell University researchers have developed a one-step 3D printing method that produces superconductors with improved properties. The research, published August 19 in Nature... read more »

News
Cornell Researchers Develop 3D Printing Method for Enhanced Superconductors

Social

  • Facebook Facebook 3D Printing
  • Linkedin Linkedin 3D Printing
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Medical
  • Military
  • QIDI Tech X-Max 3

    • - Print size: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
    • - fully enclosed
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech Q1 Pro

    • - Print size: 245 x 245 x 245 mm
    • - 600mm/s max speed
    More details »
    $449.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Plus4

    • - Print size: 305 x 305 x 280 mm
    • - print temperature of 370°C
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • Snapmaker Artisan Premium 3-in-1

    • - Print size: 400 x 400 x 400 mm
    • - comes with enclosure
    More details »
    $2,999.00 Snapmaker
    Buy Now

Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Blog

  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
  • Creality Ender 5 S1
  • The Mole 3D Scanner
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
2025 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Join our mailing list
  • Contact us
Blog
  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal
Featured Industries
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing