Festo's Robotic Insects

[jackwynne]

Source:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/03/31/festo-insect-robots/#continued

 

Festo, a German automation company, has designed a new series of robots inspired by nature.

 

The first is a robotic ant which is designed to work with other robotic ants in order to move objects that are much larger than itself.

They have cameras on their heads, optical sensors on their bellies that enable infrared navigation, and antennae that function as wireless chargers. Those circuits running outside their bodies are functional, by the way, and not just a design to make them look cool.

 

The next is a robotic butterfly that can fly indoors, along preprogramed routes, using infrared cameras as a GPS system.

They're also equipped with motors, along with other components, that allow them to flap their wings like real ones do. These robobutterflies have 20-inch wingspans and can fly for 2.5 meters per second for three to four minutes before they need to be recharged for the next 15.

 

Finally there is a robot that is based on the movements of a chameleon's tongue. This robot is deigned to lift objects and move them around. It is made up of a silicon cap attached to a robotic arm.

 

Festo's older nature inspired projects can be found here: http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/06/WarkaWater-Tower,-kangaroo-like-robot-energy-generating-carousel/

 

[mvitkun]

The ant isn't really all that cool, but the butterfly and gripper are epic.

Festo needs to partner with Fleshlight.

Fleshlight 2.0 with Festo's innovative Flexshape gripping technology, one size fits all.

[Lazmarr]

The ant isn't really all that cool, but the butterfly and gripper are epic.

Festo needs to partner with Fleshlight.

Fleshlight 2.0 with Festo's innovative Flexshape gripping technology, one size fits all.

Uhmmmmmm....I was thinking more along the lines of like manufacturing for gathering delicate components and moving them around

[mvitkun]

Uhmmmmmm....I was thinking more along the lines of like manufacturing for gathering delicate components and moving them around

You mean like other things using the bellows gripper, which this either uses or is based on.

[Lazmarr]

You mean like other things using the bellows gripper, which this either uses or is based on.

Didn't know that existed was meaing more for smaller fragile devices/silicon chips or items that are usually picked up with a claw type devices

[mvitkun]

Didn't know that existed was meaing more for smaller fragile devices/silicon chips or items that are usually picked up with a claw type devices

Was randomly browsing, so epic.