March 25, 2011 05:16 am EDT

Festo's SmartBird robot takes off with elegance, doesn't fight seagulls for food (video)

The geniuses at Festo's Bionic Learning Network are well known for their fascination with robotic animals, and their latest creation is no exception. Dubbed the SmartBird, this autonomous bionic bird -- modelled on herring gulls -- graces the sky with its sophisticated two meter-long wings, which utilize a bending torso for lifelike directional control. What's more, this robot is also capable of taking off and landing on its own, but it can also be controlled and monitored from afar using ZigBee radio. Amazingly, all of this round up to just one pound, meaning the SmartBird can happily float about with moderate flapping. Jump past the break for some agile in-flight action, accompanied by an animation detailing the inner workings.

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Festo's SmartBird robot takes off with elegance, doesn't fight seagulls for food (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 01:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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