eMotionSpheres

eMotionSpheres

Collision-free motion of autonomous systems in a space  

With the eMotionSpheres, Festo shows how several flying objects can move in a coordinated manner and within a defined space. Whether individually or collectively – even in chaotic situations, there are no collisions as the spheres move out of each other’s way.

Unique and highly efficient drive system

Each of the eight spheres is filled with helium and is driven by eight small propellers, which are attached to their outer shell. The drives are adaptive and supply the same efficient thrust in a forward and reverse direction, which is a first when it comes to flying objects.

  • Pioneering model: the BionicOpter wing principle transferred to the drive technology of the eMotionSpheres

    Pioneering model: the BionicOpter wing principle transferred to the drive technology of the eMotionSpheres

  • Intelligent monitoring: the system enables both the formation and individual flight of the spheres.

    Intelligent monitoring: the system enables both the formation and individual flight of the spheres.

  • Active markers: infrared LEDs for communication with the cameras

    Active markers: infrared LEDs for communication with the cameras

  • Autonomous charging principle: independent calling at the charging stations

    Autonomous charging principle: independent calling at the charging stations

  • Safe handling: harmless interaction between man and technology

    Safe handling: harmless interaction between man and technology

  • Networked overall system: the merging of the virtual and real world

    Networked overall system: the merging of the virtual and real world

Exact positioning thanks to infrared technology

Ten cameras installed in the room record the spheres via their active infrared markers and pass on the position data to a central master computer. The actions calculated from this process are sent back to the spheres, which then implement them locally. The intelligent networking system creates a guidance and monitoring system, which could be used in the networked factory of the future.