A robot that flies like a bird | Markus Fischer | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A team of experts builds an ultralight indoor-flying model inspired by the herring gull, using pneumatics and air flow phenomena, resulting in an energy-efficient, aerodynamic structure that flaps its wings like a bird.

Key Insights

• 🐦 The inspiration for the SmartBird design came from observing the flight patterns of herring gulls, highlighting the agility and efficiency of birds in flight.
• 🏗️ The challenge was to build an ultralight indoor-flying model that could safely fly over people's heads, requiring the team to focus on lightweight materials and precise aerodynamics.
• ⚙️ The SmartBird is constructed using carbon fiber and incorporates a motor and gear to control the wing movement. Hall sensors within the motor provide feedback on the wing's position.
• 🚀 By coordinating the movement of the wings, the SmartBird is able to generate lift and propulsion, mimicking the flight patterns of real birds.
• 📊 Measuring the aerodynamic efficiency of the SmartBird allowed the team to optimize its design, with the transition from passive to active torsion increasing efficiency from 30% to 80%.
• ⚡ Controlling and regulating the structure of the SmartBird is crucial for achieving the desired aerodynamic efficiency, highlighting the importance of precise control systems.
• 💡 The development of lightweight structures and learning about pneumatics and airflow phenomena were key motivations for the project, reflecting the company's focus on energy-efficient automation.
• 💪 The SmartBird consumes approximately 25 watts of energy during takeoff and 16 to 18 watts during flight, demonstrating its energy efficiency compared to traditional aircraft designs.

Transcript

It is a dream of mankind to fly like a bird. Birds are very agile. They fly, not with rotating components, so they fly only by flapping their wings. So we looked at the birds, and we tried to make a model that is powerful, ultralight, and it must have excellent aerodynamic qualities that would fly by its own and only by flapping its wings. So what ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the team ensure the safety of the ultralight indoor-flying model?

The team focused on building the model lightweight enough to prevent injuries if it fell down, ensuring safety for everyone involved.

Q: What materials were used in the construction of the ultralight indoor-flying model?

The model was built entirely out of carbon fiber, which provided the necessary strength while keeping the weight minimal.

Q: How does the model's wing design contribute to its flight capabilities?

The model has split wings, where the upper wing provides lift and the lower wing generates propulsion, enabling the efficient coordination of flight movements.

Q: How is the aerodynamic efficiency of the model measured?

The team measures the aerodynamic efficiency by calculating the electromechanical efficiency and determining the ratio between passive and active torsion, which increases from 30% to 80% in the model.

Q: What is the energy consumption of the ultralight indoor-flying model during takeoff and flight?

The model consumes approximately 25 watts of energy during takeoff and 16 to 18 watts during flight, highlighting its energy efficiency.

Q: How did the team control and regulate the ultralight indoor-flying model?

Controlling and regulating the entire structure was crucial to achieving aerodynamic efficiency, and it was achieved through careful monitoring and adjustment of its movements.

Summary

In this video, Markus Fischer, a representative from a company specializing in automation, discusses the development of the SmartBird, a model that mimics the flight of birds. The goal was to create a powerful, ultralight model with excellent aerodynamic qualities, capable of flying solely by flapping its wings. Fischer explains the design process, challenges faced, and the importance of controlling and regulating the structure for optimal aerodynamic efficiency.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the inspiration behind the SmartBird design?

The inspiration behind the SmartBird design came from observing herring gulls in their natural environment, circling and swooping over the sea. The team aimed to use the herring gull as a role model due to its agility and ability to fly solely by flapping its wings.

Q: What expertise did the team bring together to develop the SmartBird?

The team consisted of both generalists and specialists in the fields of aerodynamics and building gliders. This diverse range of expertise allowed them to tackle the various challenges involved in building an ultralight indoor-flying model.

Q: Why was it crucial for the SmartBird to be lightweight?

It was crucial for the SmartBird to be lightweight to ensure the safety of those around it. The goal was to build the model so lightweight that if it fell down, no one would be hurt.

Q: What materials were used in building the SmartBird?

The SmartBird was built using carbon fiber, a lightweight and durable material. This choice of material contributed to the overall ultralight design of the model.

Q: How does the motor in the SmartBird contribute to its flight?

The motor in the SmartBird plays a crucial role in its flight. Equipped with three Hall sensors, the motor allows for precise tracking of the wing's position. By flapping the wings up and down, the SmartBird is able to achieve a flight similar to that of a real bird.

Q: How does the split wing in the SmartBird contribute to its flight?

The split wing design of the SmartBird serves multiple purposes. It allows for lift at the upper wing and propulsion at the lower wing. This division of functions enables more efficient and controlled flight.

Q: How was the aerodynamic efficiency of the SmartBird measured?

The team measured the aerodynamic efficiency of the SmartBird by calculating the electromechanical efficiency and comparing it to the overall efficiency of the model's flight. This involved analyzing data on passive torsion and transitioning to active torsion, which resulted in a significant increase in aerodynamic efficiency.

Q: Why is controlling and regulating the structure of the SmartBird essential for optimal performance?

Controlling and regulating the structure of the SmartBird is crucial for achieving optimal aerodynamic efficiency. Without proper control and regulation, the model would not be able to harness its full potential in terms of energy consumption and overall performance.

Q: How much energy does the SmartBird consume during flight?

The SmartBird consumes approximately 25 watts of energy during takeoff and around 16 to 18 watts during regular flight. This low energy consumption is a testament to the efficiency of the design and contributes to its overall energy efficiency.

Q: What is the significance of developing lightweight structures in the field of automation?

Developing lightweight structures is of great importance in the field of automation due to its energy efficiency benefits. Lightweight structures require less energy to move or operate, resulting in reduced energy consumption and improved overall efficiency.

Takeaways

The development of the SmartBird demonstrates the possibilities of biomimicry in engineering. By studying birds' flight and implementing their natural mechanisms into the design, the team was able to create an ultralight model capable of agile flight without rotating components. Achieving optimal aerodynamic efficiency required precise control and regulation of the structure, resulting in low energy consumption during flight. This project highlights the potential for biomimicry in creating energy-efficient structures for various applications.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A team of experts builds an ultralight indoor-flying model inspired by the herring gull.

• The model is made entirely out of carbon fiber and weighs only 450 grams.

• The model's wings can flap up and down, allowing it to fly like a bird with efficient aerodynamics.