Swiss Engineers Develop Bird-Inspired Drone That Walks and Jumps

Swiss Engineers Unveil Bird-Like Drone with Walking and Jumping Abilities

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has developed RAVEN (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironments), a groundbreaking drone that mimics the movement of birds like corvids. Designed to walk, hop, and jump into flight, this innovative creation opens new possibilities for drones to navigate challenging environments.

The key to RAVEN’s versatility lies in its custom-designed legs, crafted by PhD student Won Dong Shin from EPFL’s Intelligent Systems Laboratory. These lightweight legs balance complexity and functionality, using a combination of springs and motors to replicate the powerful tendons and muscles of real birds. At just 620 grams, the drone efficiently combines robust mobility with aerodynamic flight.

Overcoming Challenges in Robotic Design

Earlier designs of walking robots were too heavy for jumping, while leaping models lacked the ability to walk. RAVEN bridges this gap, enabling the drone to walk, climb, and jump onto raised surfaces up to 26 centimeters high.

Experiments showed that jumping to initiate flight is the most energy-efficient method, effectively utilizing both kinetic and potential energy. This advancement allows RAVEN to traverse rough terrains and take off from confined areas without external assistance.

Future Enhancements in Autonomous Flight

While RAVEN excels in mobility, landing remains a challenge. The team is currently refining the leg design and control systems to enable safe landings in diverse environments. Their work, published in Nature, also benefited from contributions by American scientists.

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