AI Revolutionizes Dinosaur Footprint Analysis with New App

A new artificial intelligence (AI) application, named **DinoTracker**, is set to transform the way scientists and enthusiasts identify ancient dinosaur footprints. According to a study published in the **Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences** on **January 26, 2026**, this innovative tool allows users to upload images or sketches of dinosaur tracks and receive instant analyses, enhancing understanding of these prehistoric indicators.

The significance of fossilized dinosaur footprints is well established in paleontology, yet interpreting them has often proved challenging. Traditional methods required researchers to create extensive datasets manually, leading to potential biases in identifying the species responsible for various tracks. This new AI-powered approach aims to eliminate those biases.

How DinoTracker Works

Researchers from the **Helmholtz-Zentrum** research center in Berlin collaborated with the **University of Edinburgh** to develop the app. They utilized sophisticated algorithms to train computers to recognize different variations in dinosaur footprints. The AI model was educated using nearly **2,000 fossil footprints** and millions of variations to simulate realistic changes, such as compression and edge displacement.

The model identified eight key features of footprint variation, including toe spread, heel position, contact area size, and weight distribution across the foot. With these parameters, the AI could predict the dinosaur species responsible for the tracks, achieving approximately **90% agreement** with classifications made by human experts, even in cases where species identification was contentious.

New Insights into Dinosaur Evolution

Perhaps the most intriguing finding from this research is the connection between certain dinosaur tracks, dating back over **200 million years**, and modern birds. The AI discovered that some of these ancient footprints exhibit characteristics similar to those of both extinct and contemporary avian species. This suggests that the origins of birds may extend tens of millions of years further back than previously believed. Alternatively, it raises the possibility that some primitive dinosaurs had foot structures resembling those of birds.

Additionally, the system pointed to long-mysterious footprints found on the **Isle of Skye** in Scotland, which date back approximately **170 million years**. According to the research, these tracks may have been made by some of the earliest known relatives of duck-billed dinosaurs.

The implications of this research are profound. By providing an unbiased method for recognizing variations in dinosaur footprints, the **DinoTracker** app not only aids scientific inquiry but also encourages public engagement in paleontology.

Dr. **Gregor Hartmann**, a lead researcher at the Helmholtz-Zentrum, noted, “Our method provides an unbiased way to recognize variation in footprints and test hypotheses about their makers. It’s an excellent tool for research, education, and even fieldwork.”

Professor **Steve Brusatte**, Personal Chair of Paleontology and Evolution at the **School of GeoSciences**, added, “This study is an exciting contribution to paleontology and an objective, data-driven way to classify dinosaur footprints—something that has stumped experts for over a century.”

In conclusion, the development of the **DinoTracker** app represents a significant advancement in paleontological research, enhancing our understanding of how dinosaurs lived and moved while simultaneously opening new avenues for exploration and education in the field. The collaboration between the Helmholtz-Zentrum and the University of Edinburgh showcases the potential of AI in scientific discovery, highlighting its capacity to bridge the gap between ancient history and modern technology.