I'm pleased to say there is a new Photo Gallery loaded onto the site - check out Electronics Weekly Picture Gallery - SmartBird Electronics'SmartBird is an ultralight but powerful flight model with excellent aerodynamic qualities and extreme agility,' says Festo. 'This bionic technology-bearer, which is inspired by the herring gull, can start, fly and land autonomously - with no additional drive mechanism. Its wings not only beat up and down, but also twist at specific angles. This is made possible by an active articulated torsional drive unit, which in combination with a complex control system attains an unprecedented level of efficiency in flight operation. Festo has thus succeeded for the first time in creating an energy-efficient technical adaptation of this model from nature.'Not impressed by the concept? Check out this video from the recent Ted Talks where the SmartBird featured as as the 'first ultralight artificial bird capable of flying like a real bird'.
View the latest gallery >>
View all Electronics Weekly Photo Galleries >>
