SmartBird: improving efficiency in resource and energy consumption.

Festo, developed SmartBird, an avian robot that can take off and fly through the air just by flapping its wings.

An article on the Guardian website says:

‘SmartBird was inspired by the herring gull, Larus argentatus. It’s a bit larger than this gull species, with a two-metre wingspan and a carbon-fiber “skeleton” that weighs 450 grams (a bit more than one pound). Like live birds, SmartBird’s “torso” can flex, providing directional control. But unlike live birds, SmartBird’s movements can be radio-controlled and monitored from afar.’

‘The focus of this research is to learn how to maximise energy-efficiency and conservation of resources.’

“We learned from the birds how to move the wings, but also the need to be very energy efficient”, says Mr Fischer, Festo’s head of Corporate Design.

‘SmartBird technology is providing key innovations and fresh insights that can optimise hybrid drive technology. For example, the minimal use of materials and its extremely lightweight construction are already improving efficiency in resource and energy consumption.’

Gemma O’Brien, dbda