Fly with RAVEN – Robotic Avian inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironment

RAVEN, abbreviation of Robotic Avian-Inspired Vehicle for Multiple Environments is a bird inspired aerial robot being developed by researchers at EPFL.

Robot Name: RAVEN (Robotic Avian inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironment)

Company / Institute: EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) Research University

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland (Switzerland)

Inception: 2022

Skills: Autonomous Perching, Flapping Wing Mechanism, Precision and Maneuverability, Claw Mechanism, Adaptability in Flight

Industry: Environmental Monitoring, Search & Rescue, Agriculture and precision farming, Drone, Aerospace & Aerodynamic research

Programming Languages: C, C++, Python

Commercial availability: Commercially not available

RAVEN, abbreviation of Robotic Avian-Inspired Vehicle for Multiple Environments is a bird inspired aerial robot being developed by researchers at EPFL (https://www.epfl.ch/en/).

The idea of RAVEN comes in mind of researchers to solve the problem that was not solved either by the planes or the drones. While the planes need a runway before it can start flying, the problem with drones is that it needs a launcher or propeller to take flight. Compared to the birds, both – planes and drones lack one special feature that still limits them and that is the flexibility to take flight instantly without a runway or propelling requirements. Birds can easily do transition from walking to running to flying and back again with the help of their legs. These avian legs play a crucial role in overall activity of birds.

Information / images from https://actu.epfl.ch, nature video (youtube), and other online resources.

The RAVEN differentiates itself from planes and drones with the multifunctional robotic (bird like) legs that helps it to take flight from it’s exact location by jumping with the help of motor and spring located with it’s legs. This helps it to instantly get ready for the flight mode and start propelling as soon as it reaches a specific distance in air. These model developed by researchers is capable of not just flying but also walking and hopping, almost similar to actual birds like raven or a crow.

RAVEN is ideal for applications in aerial exploration, environmental monitoring, and potentially even search and rescue missions. By observing RAVEN in action, scientists can further refine drones and other flying devices, bringing us closer to sustainable and adaptive robotic solutions.

Technology:

Advanced AI and machine learning algorithms for human-robot interaction
Artificial muscles (Series Elastic Actuators)
Advanced animatronic head with 17 degrees of freedom
High-resolution cameras in the eyes

Programming Language (s): RAVEN, the robot bird developed by EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), uses a combination of advanced programming languages and frameworks in its design and operation. Key programming languages employed in its development include Python and C/C++, which are integral for their performance in robotic control and machine learning tasks.

Currently used at : Currently RAVEN is being used for research and development purposes at EPFL.

Specifications :

Wingspan: 1.5 meters (59 inches)
Weight: 700 grams (about 1.5 pounds)
Flight Mechanism: It uses bio-inspired flapping wings, which provide lift and thrust for flight
Autonomous Perching: RAVEN features a claw mechanism for autonomous landing and perching on horizontal surfaces. The claw can grasp a perch within 25 milliseconds
Control System: The robot is equipped with an onboard computer, a navigation system, and a motion-capture system for positioning
Power source: Battery * (Need checking)