Every year the Festo Bionic Learning Network provides new inspiration for automation technology through research in the areas of function integration, lightweight construction, self-configuration and machine learning. The new BionicOpter shows how principles from nature can be applied in automation technology.
After bird flight was deciphered with the SmartBird in 2010, the developers took on their next big challenge: modelling the dragonfly at a technical level. The BionicOpter is an ultra-light flying object just like its counterpart in nature. It can fly in all directions and execute the most complicated flight manoeuvres, the ability to move each of its wings independently enables it to slow down and turn abruptly, to accelerate swiftly and even fly backwards. Despite its complexity, this highly integrated system is operated easily and intuitively via a smartphone.
Lightweight construction and the integration of functions make this unique way of flying possible: components such as sensors, actuators and mechanical components as well as open and closed-loop control systems are installed in a very tight space and adapted to one another. The flapping frequency, amplitude and angle of incidence are controlled by software and electronics, the pilot just has to steer the dragonfly with no need to coordinate the complex motion sequences.
Principles of ultra-lightweight construction are applied throughout the design and the model dragonfly weighs just 175 grams. The wings consist of a carbon fibre frame and a thin foil covering. Intelligent kinematics corrects any vibrations during flight, ensuring stability. Data on the position and the twisting of the wings is continuously recorded and evaluated in real-time during the flight of the dragonfly.
The Bionic Learning Network links Festo to well-known universities, institutes and development companies. The objective of this initiative is to transfer biological principles to industrial technology and to produce innovative solutions and visions for industrial applications, all through bionics.
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