Skinner drawing from Project Pigeon
Date: circa 1943
Inventory Number: 1999-1-0046
Classification: Drawing
Subject:
Maker: B. F. Skinner (1904 - 1990)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
55 × 44 × 3 cm (21 5/8 × 17 5/16 × 1 3/16 in.)
Description:
Framed copy of a sketch by B. F. Skinner of pigeons fitted with harnesses that might control missile.
Signedunsigned
FunctionTechnical and conceptual drawing of a harness system for Project Pigeon.
Historical AttributesDuring World War II, Skinner used operant conditioning and image recognition to train pigeons to guide missiles to enemy targets. His research was funded by the Office of Scientific Research and Development in 1943.
Pigeons were conditioned to recognize specific types of targets and peck at an image to keep the target centered. Harness systems attached to the pigeon's head and neck were used to steer the missile. Although never put into practice, Project Pigeon demonstrated that a "smart" bomb was feasible.
Pigeons were conditioned to recognize specific types of targets and peck at an image to keep the target centered. Harness systems attached to the pigeon's head and neck were used to steer the missile. Although never put into practice, Project Pigeon demonstrated that a "smart" bomb was feasible.
Curatorial RemarksStored in flat gray box labeled Psychology & Hunt Photographs. Reprint of an original in Harvard University Archies, HUG FP60.50. Box 3.