While looking for new drive concepts, our Bionic Learning Network came across the manta ray. We have now transferred the fascinating motion sequences and the streamlined body shape into the world of technology with the Air_ray. Thanks to its lightweight design, the uplift provided by helium and its beating wing drive with Fin Ray Effect®, the remote-controlled flying object moves through the air just like its natural role model moves through the water.
The flow-optimised design of the artificial ray increases its aerodynamic efficiency, while the active twisting of its wings ensures that their full force is used in the air. A servo motor pulls alternately on the two flanks in the longitudinal direction and thus moves the wing up and down in a targeted manner.
With an additional servo drive, the beating wing can be rotated in its transverse axis, which means that the Air_ray can also be manoeuvred backwards. The motion sequence comes very close to that of its biological role model.