This robotic drone can mimic bird perching and carry objects

Stanford engineers have created a robotic drone that mimics birds perching and carries objects. This innovation would help in environmental, scientific, search, and rescue operations fields and it will elevate science and technology to the next level.

Researchers Mark Cutkosky and David Lentink, who are now at the University of Groningen, created this robotic drone called SNAG. This innovation is inspired by their previous research on parrotlets, which are the second-smallest parrot. 

In this robotic drone’s design, developers have used 3D-printed structures, motors, and fishing line stand-ins. Also, they have attached temperature and humidity sensors. 

This incredible robotic drone can assist in wildfire monitoring, environmental research, and rescue. 

Pioneering bird-inspired design and structural integrity

SNAG has a 3D-printed structure instead of the skeletal framework found in birds. Each leg has motors that mimic muscles and tendons.

This innovative drone’s sensors and cameras detect landing surfaces for stable perching, and it also uses sophisticated algorithms. 

Robotic drone mimics birds: advancing environmental insights and disaster response efforts

SNAG’s groundbreaking abilities enable effective environmental research, disaster response, and more.

This robotic drone can perch on any kind of surface, just like birds. It will be a solution to the typical drone landing issues. 

SNAG can catch and carry objects comfortably; this will be a crucial ability for search and rescue operations. Researchers can acquire more insights by studying the diverse toe arrangements of the birds.

Using the temperature and humidity sensors, SNAG can monitor environmental changes. So that researchers can collect data in remote areas. 

To sum it up, the robotic drone that mimics birds perching and carries objects, invented by Stanford engineers, is an incredible innovation. 

It is inspired by the research on parrotlets, which was the previous work of Mark Cutkosky and David Lentink. This robotic drone can perch on any kind of surface, making it a valuable tool for many applications. 

Featured image credits: Birds of the world, Wired