Imma Perfetto
Cosmos science journalist
This video shows how the feathers on the wings and the tail respond reflexively to movement of the robotic bird (which mimics flight). Credit: Eric Chang, Lentink Lab
Researchers in biomimetics have created a robotic bird model with real pigeon feathers to understand how birds manage to fly without a vertical tailfin.
A plane without a vertical tailfin would be less stable but much more energy efficient and less easy to detect via radar. Scientists have been trying to figure out how to mimic the way birds continuously adjust the shape of their wings and tail as they glide stably in turbulence.
In a new paper, published in the journal Science Robotics, a team has designed a pigeon-like robot that can replicate these avian movements.
The robot, PidgeonBot II, was constructed using 52 real pigeon feathers. These are moved by 9 servo motors controlled by an algorithm designed to the mimic reflexes used by birds to stabilise and control themselves during gliding flight.
It was successfully tested in a wind tunnel and then flown autonomously in the open air.
In their study, the researchers write that their “bird-inspired control principles can inform the design of rudderless airplanes with minimal radar signature and elevated manoeuvrability and efficiency”.
