Lausanne, Switzerland - December 06, 2024 Credit: LIS EPFL Researchers at EPFL have developed a groundbreaking drone inspired by birds that can walk, hop, and jump into flight, opening up new possibilities for unmanned aerial vehicles. Named RAVEN (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironments), this innovative drone mimics the capabilities of perching birds like ravens and crows, allowing it to autonomously take off in environments previously inaccessible to traditional winged drones. RAVEN’s birdlike legs enable it to transition seamlessly from land to air without the need for a runway, making it more versatile for tasks such as disaster relief or deliveries in confined spaces. The design, led by Dario Floreano’s Laboratory of Intelligent Systems (LIS), incorporates lightweight, multifunctional avian-inspired legs and feet. The drone weighs just 0.62kg and uses a combination of springs and motors to replicate the tendons and muscles of birds, enabling it to walk, hop, and jump. Researchers found that jumping into flight was the most energy-efficient method of take-off, combining kinetic and potential energy. RAVEN’s unique capabilities are set to advance drone technology, providing greater access to difficult terrain and offering solutions for a variety of practical applications, from inspections to disaster relief. The team continues to refine the design to further improve landing and mobility across different environments.