RAVEN robot: a bird-inspired innovation combining ground mobility and flight

Researchers have unveiled a cutting-edge robot named RAVEN (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple Environments).

The team at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), in collaboration with a University of California scientist, modeled it after birds, particularly crows, RAVEN is designed to leap into flight using spring-loaded legs, seamlessly blending ground mobility with aerial capability.

The concept for RAVEN emerged from observing crows near the researchers' workspace. These birds often use their legs to spring into flight, a behavior believed to conserve energy compared to wing propulsion alone. This observation led to the development of a robotic system that mimics the hopping and walking abilities of birds while incorporating a mechanism for efficient flight.

For simplicity, the robot features a fixed-wing design with a split-V tail configuration. A single propeller, powered by a front-mounted engine, drives its flight. The spring-loaded legs, crucial to the design, enable RAVEN to leap off the ground and transition seamlessly into the air.

Tests confirmed RAVEN’s ability to walk, hop, and jump into flight while its rotor spins. This versatile performance highlights the robot's potential to operate effectively across diverse terrains and environments.

The researchers suggest that such dual-function designs could revolutionize drone applications, making them more energy-efficient and adaptable. Potential uses include search-and-rescue missions, environmental monitoring, and other operations requiring both land and aerial navigation.

RAVEN represents a significant step toward creating hybrid robots capable of transitioning between ground and air mobility while optimizing energy use, paving the way for innovations in robotic design and functionality.