Researchers at EPFL's Laboratory of Intelligent Systems have developed RAVEN, a bio-inspired drone that mimics perching birds (like ravens and crows) to enable jumping take-offs. This allows the drone to operate on rough terrain without needing a runway.

Key Features

The drone uses multifunctional avian-like legs with springs and motors simulating bird tendons and muscles.

Lightweight articulated feet with passive elastic joints support walking, hopping, and high jumps.



Technical Specs

Weight: 0.62 kg

Jump height: Up to 26 cm

Efficiency: Jumping take-off proves most energy-efficient, leveraging kinetic and potential energy (validated through experiments comparing standing, falling, and jumping starts).

Benefits and Applications

This design expands drone access to confined or uneven areas for tasks like inspection, disaster response, and delivery. It also provides insights into bird biomechanics and energetic efficiency in robotics.

Researchers

Led by Professor Dario Floreano

PhD student Won Dong Shin designed the legs

Collaborations include Auke Ijspeert (EPFL) and Monica Daley (UC Irvine)

Ongoing work focuses on improving landing capabilities and leg-wing coordination.