The SmartBird is a Research robot developed by Festo (Germany), launched 2011.
Robo Index
Strong evidence
5 of 10 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
Will it fit your job?
Tell us the job in plain words — we'll show how this robot measures up, line by line.
Tell us what your job needs — payload, budget, region, must-have certifications — and we'll show how SmartBird measures up, requirement by requirement. The Robo Index (trust) above is shown for every buyer, regardless.
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.
Buyer decision signals
Viability
First international subsidiary
Availability
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
Company profile
- Founded
- 1925
Detailed specifications
Motion & kinematics1
- Dof
- 6
Other15
- Price Tier
- 150K+
- Applications
- visual_inspection
- Sub Category
- bionic flying robot
- Datasheet Url
- View Link
- Max Speed M S
- 6.94
- Company Country
- DE
- Controller Model
- Texas Instruments LM3S811
- Deployment Notes
- Developed within the Festo Bionic Learning Network; collaboration with Effekt-Technik GmbH, JNTec GbR, ANIPROP GbR; scientific advice by Dr. Wolfgang Send; project lead by Markus Fischer.
- Youtube Video Id
- kA7PNQiHT1Q
- Industries Served
- automation,aerodynamics research,education
- Software Platform
- Custom software
- Availability Status
- research-only
- Countries Available
- Germany
- Programming Interface
- code_python
- Additional Information
- Festo has added to its robotic menagerie with the creation of a robotic seagull that weighs just 450 g (15.87 oz) and boasts a wingspan of 1.96 m (6.4 ft). Dubbed the SmartBird, the ultralight flying robot was inspired by the herring gull and can take off, fly, and land autonomously without the help of any additional drive systems.,Directional control is achieved through the opposing movement of the robot's head and torso sections, which is synchronized by means of two electric motors and cables.,As with a real bird, the SmartBird's tail isn't just for show either. It produces lift and functions as both a pitch elevator and yaw rudder.,Packed inside the SmartBird's torso are the battery, engine, and transmission, the crank transmission, and control and regulation electronics.,Wing position and torsion can be monitored via two-way ZigBee protocol radio communication and can be adjusted and optimized in real time during flight.,Festo says developing the SmartBird has provided insights that will help it in a variety of areas.
Where to buy
Get a price or reach an authorized seller — pick your region, then request a quote.
No authorized seller is listed for this robot yet — request a quote below and we’ll connect you with Festo or an authorized seller.
Request a quote — goes straight to Festo.
Every authorized seller serving your region is shown equally — placement is never sold, and this data never affects a robot’s score. A seller’s absence here doesn’t mean they aren’t authorized.
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
Compare with peers
More videos
Festo SmartBird - Bird flight deciphered
Festo SmartBird - Vogelflug entschlüsselt
Festo - SmartBird
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.
Reviews for SmartBird
Loading reviews…
