Bird-inspired drone Raven
The Raven drone from the EPFL Laboratory for Intelligent Systems combines the movement mechanisms of birds with state-of-the-art technology. It can run, hop and jump into flight - ideal for inaccessible terrain and a wide range of applications.
The Raven drone, developed at EPFL’s Laboratory for Intelligent Systems under the direction of Dario Floreano, uses the movement capabilities of birds such as crows as a model. It combines ground mobility and flight capability in one system. Thanks to its bird-like legs, it overcomes obstacles effortlessly and even takes off from uneven ground.
The specially developed legs weigh just 0.62 kilograms and combine lightweight materials, motors and springs that imitate tendons and muscles. A special joint structure allows Raven to run, hop and jump with stability, while the design focuses on lightweight construction and efficient energy distribution.
Jump start for maximum efficiency
An outstanding feature of the drone is the jump start. This method makes optimum use of kinetic and potential energy and enables Raven to overcome obstacles up to 26 centimetres high. The experiments showed that the jump is the most efficient launch method, especially in difficult or restricted terrain.
Wide range of applications
Raven’s unique capabilities make her a valuable tool for a wide range of applications. During natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods, the drone reaches areas that are difficult to access and delivers vital relief supplies. In narrow alleyways or destroyed infrastructure, Raven can flexibly transport medicines and other goods. Raven enables the monitoring of bridges, pipelines or energy plants in remote regions and delivers precise data both from the ground and from the air.
Collaboration and research
The EPFL team worked closely with the BioRobotics Lab and the Neuromechanics Lab at the University of California. Together, they analyzed the biomechanical properties of birds and transferred their efficiency to Raven. The biggest challenge was to integrate the complex movements of nature into a technical system while balancing weight, stability and functionality.
Future potential
Raven is to be further optimized in the future. The landing capabilities, energy efficiency and adaptability to different surfaces are the focus of research. In the long term, the technology could lay the foundation for multimodal robots that can operate both on the ground and in the air.
With the Raven drone, the EPFL team is opening up new possibilities for rescue missions, inspections and logistics. The combination of bird mobility and state-of-the-art robotics marks a decisive step in the development of versatile drone technologies.