Researchers at EPFL's Laboratory of Intelligent Systems (LIS) have created an innovative drone modeled after birds, called RAVEN (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironments). This drone is capable of walking, hopping, and jumping, providing various methods for take-off. The inspiration comes from how birds, particularly crows, coordinate their legs and wings, facilitating a smooth transition between flying and walking.
Overcoming Previous Challenges
RAVEN solves the issues found in robots that only walk, which are often too heavy to jump, and jumping robots that are not designed for walking. By using bird-like biomechanics, the lightweight structure of this drone enables it to navigate uneven terrain, leap over gaps, and launch from tight spaces—something that conventional winged drones struggle to do.
Team Effort in Development
The project, led by Dario Floreano, involved collaboration with specialists from the BioRobotics Lab and Neuromechanics Lab to refine the drone's design. PhD student Won Dong Shin used mathematical simulations to create legs inspired by bird anatomy. These legs replicate the tendons and muscles of birds with springs and motors while maintaining a light weight of 0.62 kg. The feet also feature elastic joints, allowing for various postures needed for walking, hopping, and jumping.
Future Applications
This research is anticipated to open up new possibilities for drone usage, such as deliveries, disaster response, and inspections in hard-to-reach locations. As Floreano points out, RAVEN marks a significant advancement in developing nimble, energy-saving flying robots by directly taking inspiration from how birds move.
