RAVEN inspired drone takes flight

The fascination with bird-like drones is not new, engineers have long sought out the ways in which they can replicate the complex mechanics of avian movement. Projects like Eagle Eye Solutions’ Flapping Wing Falcon, or Festo’s SmartBird are designed to mimic the motion of birds in flights, and drones such as Standford University’s ‘stereotyped nature-inspired aerial grasper’ (SNAG) are designed to perch like a bird. Whilst these can be visually stunning or enable traditional drones to function more robustly, they are focused just on specific areas and lack the full 360-avian experience.

What makes RAVEN different?

Rather than fully replicating a bird’s flight, RAVEN selectively incorporates bird-like features that address practical challenges in drone deployment, thus allowing for broader functionality without the complexity of systems such as flapping wings.

The defining feature of RAVEN is its pair of articulated legs which are inspired by the tendons and muscles of birds. These legs allow the drone to walk, hop over obstacles, and leap into flight all without requiring a runway or a flat surface. Unlike quadcopters or fixed-wing drones, which are constrained by their need for specific launch and landing conditions, RAVEN operates in rugged, uneven environments.

RAVEN also combines energy-efficient gliding with motorised propulsion. Its single motor reduces energy consumption during flight by relying heavily on natural gliding, much like albatrosses that soar for long distances without constant wing flapping.

The inspiration behind RAVEN

The creators of RAVEN wanted to address the limitations of existing drones in environments where terrain or access complicates operations. The idea came from observing how birds effortlessly transition between flying, walking, and hopping. Researchers wanted to create a tool that could provide that same versatility, particularly in applications like disaster relief or environmental monitoring. RAVEN’s ability to switch between ground and aerial modes removes the need for human intervention during take-off or relocation, making it more efficient and adaptable to the demands of hazardous situations.

Addressing practical challenges

By integrating ground and air mobility, RAVEN reduces the trade-offs typically seen in drones that focus exclusively on flight.

Traditional quadcopters, while manoeuvrable, rely heavily on their motors, which limits their operational range. Fixed-wing drones, on the other hand, excel in energy efficiency but struggle with landing and takeoff in confined spaces. RAVEN’s design overcomes these limitations, making it suitable for areas where infrastructure or terrain restricts movement.

A step forward in drone technology

RAVEN’s potential applications span various industries. It could, for example, monitor ecosystems in remote regions, deliver supplies to areas with limited access, or conduct reconnaissance in challenging conditions. Its energy-efficient flight and ability to traverse uneven surfaces make it a viable candidate for long-term field operations.

RAVEN is not the first bird-inspired drone, but its focus on practicality rather than pure mimicry sets it apart. By taking lessons from nature and adapting them to solve specific problems, its creators have opened new possibilities for how drones interact with the world.

RAVEN offers a glimpse into a future where drones do more than fly – they adapt to the environments they encounter, much like the creatures that inspired them, but more than that, they could be used to help those people who need it the most.

Image credit: RAVEN (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironments) © Alain Herzog CC BY SA