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SmartBird lifts its wings the servo motor
moves the end of the hand wing to a
positive angle of attack that is then
converted to a negative angle of attack
within a fraction of the wing beat period.
The torsion angle remains constant
between these two phases. With this
sequence of movements the airflow on
the profile is used optimally to create
thrust. The battery, motor and
transmission, the crank mechanism and
the control and feedback control system
are housed securely in the torso. The
on board electronic system provides
precise control of the wings. In addition,
the control parameters can be set and
optimised in real time. This guarantees
the bird’s flight stability and thus its
operational safety.
Transfer into practice
The application of coupled drives for
linear and rotary movements as used in
the SmartBird range from generators for
extracting energy from water, so called
stroke wing power generators, to new
actuators in process automation.
Spurred on by a paradigm shift in
bionics, Festo has for a few years now
been developing products such as the
adaptive gripper DHDG that has already
been accepted in industry.
To view the SmartBird presentation and
flight at the TED Conference, see
www.ted.com and search SmartBird.
¢
www.festo.com/smartbird_en
Those involved in the project present the SmartBird.
trends in automation
Compass
12 – 13
Polly-Anna Woodward from the
Gadget Show recently went to Festo
HQ and filmed the SmartBird in
action for the latest TV series. The
producers were so impressed
they’ve asked to have the
SmartBird flying in the Super
Theatre shows that are running
three times a day at the Gadget
Show Live exhibition at Birmingham
NEC 11-15th April 2012. We will
also be demonstrating our 3D
AirMotion driving simulator ride on
the Festo stand.
As well as seeing the stars of the TV
programme in the live shows you
can also shop from around 280
stands and see new technology
months ahead of hitting the market.
The Test Track and Game Zone have
been supersized for 2012 to allow
more room for trying out the latest
games and transportation devices.
For more information see
www.gadgetshowlive.net
Festo SmartBird
impresses the
Gadget Show