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Researchers from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), in partnership with a University of California professor, have shown a bird-inspired robot that can take off using spring-loaded legs. The robot, known as RAVEN (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for Multiple Environments), replicates some bird characteristics in order to combine ground movement and airborne capacity. Aimy Wissa, an aeronautical engineer at Princeton University, explored the design's possible uses in a News & Views article published in the same journal.
Inspired by Bird Mechanics
The findings appeared in the journal Nature. According to sources, the idea came from seeing crows near the researchers' offices. It was discovered that these birds frequently utilize their legs to jump into flight, which proved to be more energy efficient than relying entirely on wing propulsion. Inspired by this, the team developed a robot that mimics crows' hopping and walking skills, with an emphasis on including a comparable flying mechanism.
To facilitate assembly, the robot's body was designed with permanent wings. The tail was designed in a split-V form, with a front-mounted engine driving a single propeller. These qualities were paired with spring-loaded legs, which allowed the robot to leap into the air before taking flight.
Tests and capabilities
RAVEN was tested and shown to be capable of walking and hopping in the same way birds do. The researchers also proved that the robot could jump while its rotor was spinning, allowing it to rise into the air. These tests demonstrated the robot's ability to navigate diverse surroundings successfully. According to sources, this design method has the potential to improve drones' functional capabilities, allowing for more adaptability in search-and-rescue operations, environmental monitoring, and other applications.
This invention is a step toward constructing robots that can move both on land and in the air while using less energy.
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