A drone that learns from birds
Researchers have developed a robot that can run, jump and fly like a bird. The innovation could be useful for future missions in difficult terrain.
Related news
Swiss drones are flying high
In search of Earth's sibling
Swiss technology hunting space debris
Humans can learn a lot from nature, especially when it comes to robots. Birds, for example, are incredible animals: thanks to their feet and wings, they can run, climb, hop, shimmy, swim and fly.
Birds on campus provide inspiration
Inspired by the proportions of birds' legs and extensive observations of crows on the EPFL campus in Lausanne, researchers have developed the first robot that can move like a bird. Called 'RAVEN' (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple Environments), it can walk, jump and even take off like its real-life counterparts by mimicking the mechanics of birds' legs. The research has been published in the journal Nature.
New ways to use drones in difficult areas
The drone's special legs allow it to walk on uneven terrain and take off from a standing position, without the need for special runways or landing strips. The robot's capabilities open up new possibilities for using drones in difficult and inaccessible areas. For example, it could be used for environmental monitoring, search and rescue missions or in agriculture, where it can work efficiently both on the ground and in the air. Another application is parcel delivery.
These results represent just a first step towards a better understanding of design and control principles of multimodal flying animals, and their translation into agile and energetically efficient drones.
Optimum balance between legs and total weight
The scientists used a combination of mathematical modelling, computer simulations and experimental iterations to achieve an optimal balance between the complexity of the legs and the overall weight of the drone, which weighs only 620 grams. According to the EPFL news, the resulting leg keeps heavier components close to the 'body', while a combination of springs and motors mimics the powerful tendons and muscles of birds.
Jump start for maximum efficiency
An outstanding feature of the drone is its jump-start capability. This method makes optimum use of kinetic and potential energy, enabling RAVEN to overcome obstacles up to 26 centimetres high. Experiments have shown that the jump is the most efficient launch method, especially in difficult or confined terrain.