Canberra: A scientist, who spent 23 years studying bees and helped develop automated space craft for use on Mars has won Australia's top science prize.
Mandyam Srinivasan, a professor of biological science at the Australian National University, has spent his career examining how insects and bees move, combining his interests in biology and engineering.
His discoveries on how bees use visual clues to regulate flight speed and control landings has led to new robotic technology and the development of automatic systems for helicopters and micro robotic aircraft for use in space exploration.
"Designs for robots are often expensive and complex. A bee can take off, find targets, fly through tunnels, navigate home, and land without any of that complexity," Prime Minister John Howard said, announcing Srinivasan's award on Monday.
As winner of the Prime Minister's Science Prize, Srinivasan receives a gold medal and Australian $300,000 ($225,000).
He said he now planned a series of experiments to find out if bees could feel emotions, as well as further aviation research.
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