647934 external_news 1622824473 1622824473 A Georgia Tech-based study published June 2 in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface presents the first evidence that elephants can use suction to pick up small objects as well as vacuum up water. The study's corresponding author, David Hu, is a professor of fluid mechanics in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering who holds a joint appointment in the School of Biological Sciences. The study sought to better understand the physics of how elephants use their trunks to move and manipulate air, water, food and other objects. They also sought to learn if the mechanics could inspire the creation of more efficient robots that use air motion to hold and move things.

 

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