German firm creates bionic birds

Festo company unveiled a video of a stunningly lifelike fleet of robo-birds that glide through the air with guidance from an ultra-sideband radio system.

Festo has been an innovator of miniaturized robotic devices for years. They have manufactured robotic seagulls, jellyfish, butterflies and kangaroos.

Their latest creation, the BionicSwift, improves upon earlier robotic avian efforts by featuring ultra-lightweight construction using artificial feathers.

Each of the five swallows weighs 42 grams. They each are powered by three tiny motors for direction, lift and descent. Their wingspan extends to 26 inches.

Artificial lamellae and quill are designed to replicate realistic motion. When the models rise, the lamellae bunch up to help provide lift. When they descend, they fan out to allow air to pass through. They can glide gracefully, make sharp turns and fly in loops.

The intelligent interaction of motors and mechanics allows the frequency of the wing beat and the elevator's angle of attack to be precisely adjusted for the various maneuvers.

The birds carry a 6 gram battery (allow for only seven minutes of flying time.) and they are guided by GPS sensors located throughout the enclosed flying area. The birds follow a preprogrammed flight path, but if an unexpected factor arises, such as a gust of air, radio communication enables instantaneous flight rerouting.

Watch the birds fly: https://youtu.be/v8fgc77dwwg