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SmartBird

Built by Festo · Germany

Updated Jun 2026·methodology
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The SmartBird is a Research robot developed by Festo (Germany), launched 2011.

RoboScore

57.6/ 100

Strong evidence

No confirmed deployment on record — this score reflects the rest of the record, not verified adoption.

5 of 9 signals present

Recomputed nightly from public data. Missing data is skipped, never zero-filled — and rankings are never for sale.

Weighted factors

average of the 5 scored · blanks don't count

Commercial maturity20%75/100
Deployment footprint18%unknown
Proven track record12%70/100
Spec completeness12%85/100
Company financial health12%unknown
Company maturity8%100/100
Manufacturer portfolio6%59/100
Media mentions (trailing 12 months)6%unknown
Independent recognition4%unknown

Not in the Research standing. The standings cover robots first sold from 2020 onward, and this one launched in 2011. Its Robo Score above is unaffected — the score is the evidence, the standing is only who it is listed against.

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Overview

SmartBird is a robotic seagull inspired by the herring gull that flies by flapping its wings and steers by twisting them at specific angles. It features an aerodynamic bio-inspired design with a lightweight carbon fiber structure and can be controlled via remote control or operated autonomously. The robot has six degrees of freedom and is powered by a lithium-polymer battery.

At a glance

  • Built for flight
  • Used across automation, aerodynamics research and education
  • Programmed through no code gui
  • Sold in Germany

Buyer decision signals

Viability

est. 1925

First international subsidiary

Availability

research-only

Specifications

Category: Research
Speed
6.94 m/s
Weight
0.45 kg
Battery
0.33 h
Autonomy
fully autonomous
Launch year
2011
Price
Contact for quote
Status
active
VerifiedSelf-reportedEstimated

Company profile

Founded
1925

Detailed specifications

What it is built for3
Applications
visual inspection
Sub Category
bionic flying robot
Industries Served
automation,aerodynamics research,education
Movement & precision2
Dof
6
Max Speed M S
6.94
Controls & integration3
Controller Model
Texas Instruments LM3S811
Software Platform
Custom software
Programming Interface
code python
Buying & support4
Price Tier
150K+
Datasheet Url
View Link
Availability Status
research-only
Countries Available
Germany

Where to buy

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Company milestones

  • Jan 1956MilestoneFirst international subsidiary
  • 2011LaunchSmartBird unveiled at Hanover Fair
  • 2007LaunchAquaJelly introduced by Festo
  • LaunchAquaPenguins introduced by Festo
  • MilestoneAquaJellies 2.0 announced
  • MilestoneCompany founded as Fezer & Stoll
  • DeploymentAquaJelly demonstrated at Pack Expo

More videos

Festo SmartBird - Bird flight deciphered

FestoOfficial

Festo SmartBird - Vogelflug entschlüsselt

FestoOfficial

Festo - SmartBird

Festo TürkiyeOfficial

Frequently asked questions

Who makes the SmartBird?
The SmartBird is developed by Festo, based in Germany.
What type of robot is the SmartBird?
The SmartBird is a Research robot made by Festo.
How much does the SmartBird cost?
Pricing for the SmartBird is not publicly listed — contact Festo for a quote.
When was the SmartBird launched?
The SmartBird was launched in 2011.

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