Festo’s SmartBird flew in the Gadget Show Live Super Theatre when the popular Channel Five TV show’s presenters performed a live version of the TV programme three times a day.
The SmartBird flies, glides and sails through the air just like the herring gull it is modelled on and will be delighting visitors with its aerobatic agility. Its wings not only beat up and down, but also twist at specific angles making it even more realistic. This is made possible by an active articulated torsional drive unit, which in combination with a complex control system provides unprecedented in-flight efficiency.
As well as presenting visitors with a visually arresting spectacle, the SmartBird is designed to provide a thought-provoking insight into energy efficiency, material design and optimal use of airflow phenomena. The SmartBird has been developed by Festo’s Bionic Learning Network, an alliance of educational establishments and specialist companies tasked with exploring bionic solutions for automation applications of the future.
Festo’s stand also featured its 3D AirMotion Ride, which is a six-axis simulator capable of reproducing all the dynamic thrills of driving a racing car around a challenging circuit. All movement of the participant’s seat is controlled by Festo fluidic muscles. These powerful actuators mimic their biological counterparts by contracting when operated, and are capable of exceptionally fast and smooth operation.
