Scientists at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have introduced Raven (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironments), a groundbreaking drone modeled after birds like crows and ravens. This agile robot can seamlessly walk, hop, and fly, allowing it to access environments unsuitable for traditional drones.
Key highlights of Raven:
- Lightweight Design: Weighs just 0.62 kg, with avian-inspired legs replicating bird limb mechanics.
- Advanced Dynamics: Uses springs and motors to mimic avian muscle movements, enabling energy-efficient transitions between walking and flight.
- Versatility: Capable of navigating rough terrains, jumping over obstacles, and ascending surfaces up to 26 cm.
- Collaborative Innovation: Developed with inputs from UC Irvine’s Neuromechanics Lab and EPFL’s BioRobotics Lab.
The drone could transform applications in search-and-rescue, environmental monitoring, and disaster relief. While researchers work on enhancing its landing capabilities, Raven represents a major leap toward biomimetic robotics.
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