SmartBird

Year

2011

The idea

The aim was to decipher the flight of birds in engineering terms, using the herring gull as a model.

The objective

SmartBird can autonomously take off, fly and land with maximum energy efficiency using the power of its wings.

Technical data

• Torso length: 107 cm
• Wingspan: 200 cm
• Weight: 450 g
• Power supply: lithium polymer battery, 7.4 V, 450 mA
• Servo motors: 4
• Power: 23 W
• Structure: carbon fibre
• Casing: polyurethane

Drive

An active articulated torsion drive ensures precise rotation of the two-part wing during its upward and downward flaps: the primary wing section generates lift, while the secondary section at the wing tip provides propulsion. These two movements are performed as a single function and are coordinated in terms of angle, amplitude and timing of the torsion.

Structure

The battery, motor, gearbox, crank mechanism, and control and regulation technology are housed in the torso of SmartBird. The load-bearing components for the head and torso, along with the wing suspension, are attached to a spine-like fibreglass tube. The wings themselves are moved via a spur gear.

Control

The onboard electronics control the movement sequences required for secure flight. A microcontroller calculates the correct settings of the servo motors for twisting the wings. Sensors synchronise the torsion with the upward and downward flaps. The wing movements are additionally monitored by radio to ensure that SmartBird can immediately adapt to any new situation.

Material

SmartBird