SmartBird is an ultra-lightweight automated bird inspired by nature.
Festo has set the pace with its latest invention inspired by nature: the SmartBird, an ultra-lightweight, powerful automated bird. Inspired by the herring gull, the SmartBird has a total weight of around 450 g and a wingspan of two metres. The unusual feature of SmartBird is the active torsion of its wings without the use of additional lift devices. With a power requirement of only 23 Watts, the SmartBird is capable of generating the necessary energy to overcome air resistance and achieve propulsion and lift – solely by the flapping of its wings. The wings not only beat up and down, but they also twist at specific angles for lift and agility. This, in combination with a complex control system, makes for unprecedented efficiency in flight operation.
Measurements have demonstrated that the SmartBird has an electromechanical efficiency of around 45%; and an aerodynamic efficiency factor of up to 80%.
The purpose of the SmartBird project was to design a ground-breaking structure that is efficient in terms of resource and energy consumption, with minimal overall weight, functional integration of propulsion and lift in the wings and a flight control unit in the torso and tail regions. In addition to this, the SmartBird also displays excellent aerodynamics, high power density for propulsion, and maximum agility in flying; an overall intelligent bio-mechatronic system.
Although focused on energy efficiency and lightweight construction, the Festo SmartBird also provides novel ideas for factory and process automation, safe automation, intelligent mechatronics solutions and new drive and handling technology. The SmartBird in flight can be seen on You Tube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnR8fDW3Ilo
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