Drones can jump and take off like birds

Robot Raven (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple Environments), a new remote-controlled drone prototype, combines a fixed-wing design with jointed legs by scientists. This allows it to move through multiple environments and take off more efficiently than current drones. The study was published on December 4 in the journal Nature.

This bird-shaped drone can be launched from a raised surface, similar to how birds jump to fly. In flight, the Raven is powered by a single propeller at the front and controlled by a tiltable tail at the rear. Raven has the same size and weight as a crow, weighing 600 grams, with a wingspan of about 100 cm and a body 50 cm long. This size is within the optimal range for balance between strength and weight.

The prototype can also use its flexible legs to “walk” on the ground and traverse difficult terrain. When Raven walks or jumps around, it is kept upright thanks to a few innovative features in its legs. Includes hip and ankle joints to maximize kinetic energy generated by jumps, and elastic toe joints allow Raven to position her feet at angles without tilting the entire device.

Jump takeoffs are 10 times more energy efficient than static takeoffs and provide the highest takeoff speeds. Raven can achieve takeoff speeds of up to 2.4 meters per second. The legs alone are capable of generating a speed of 2.2 meters per second, meaning 91.7% of the desired takeoff speed is generated by the legs. This demonstrates the effective leg design and shows the relatively minor role of the propeller compared to traditional aircraft.

Researchers hope the Raven could serve as a proof of concept for larger drones, or even regular-sized aircraft. This advancement could significantly improve the reliability and landing potential of drones and airplanes.