| | |

Festo’s BionicSwift: New Impulses for Factory and Process Automation

Date

The BionicSwifts are agile, maneuverable, and can even fly loops and steep turn

In everyday factory operations, automation technology performs typical tasks such as gripping, moving and positioning goods, and controlling and regulating processes. Nature solves all these tasks naturally, simply, and energy efficiently. What could be more logical than to examine these natural phenomena and learn from them? This is why in 2006 Festo set up an international research network linking Festo to well-known universities, institutes, development companies, and private inventors: the Bionic Learning Network.

The BionicSwifts are agile, maneuverable, and can even fly loops and steep turns. By interacting with a radio-based indoor GPS system, the five robotic birds are capable of moving autonomously in a coordinated pattern in a defined airspace.

Festo's bionicswift: New Impulses for Factory and Process Automation

More Information

Festo

BionicSwift

Related Story

BionicBee: Autonomous Flying in a Swarm

For more than 15 years, the Bionic Learning Network has been focusing on the fascination of flying. In addition to the technical decoding of bird flight, the team has researched and technologically implemented numerous other flying objects and their natural principles. With the BionicBee, the Bionic Learning Network has now for the first time developed a flying object that can fly in large numbers and completely autonomously in a swarm. The BionicBee will present its first flight show at the Hannover Messe 2024.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Building the Future of Smart Tool Manufacturing – Together

    Why now Is the time to join the AIMS ecosystem August 27, 2025 By Samuel Kirkpatrick, ANCA Senior Product Manager – AIMS The manufacturing industry is undergoing its most transformative shift in over a century. As smart automation, AI-driven production systems, and advanced robotics redefine what’s possible, manufacturers are seeking ways to scale efficiently, adapt… Read More…

  • Comparing maxon EC-i vs ECX Motors: Which One Fits Your Design?

    August 19, 2025 The choice between maxon’s EC-i and ECX motor series depends on whether the application prioritizes torque or speed, rugged durability or quick responsiveness, and high load-handling capability or low-inertia performance. Both maxon product lines use brushless DC motor technology but are engineered with distinct rotor architectures and performance envelopes. This comparison outlines… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Emergent Vision Technologies Announces All EROS 10GigE Camera Models Now Shipping

    August 27, 2025 Emergent Vision Technologies is announcing that all models of the groundbreaking EROS 10GigE camera series are now officially shipping. Originally launched in December 2024, Emergent Vision Technologies says EROS is the smallest, lowest power10GigE camera in the world. “Thirty-nine new cameras across color, mono, SWIR, polarized, and UV sensors are now available… Read More…

  • Remote Display Unit Type EXCRDU2 from Lovato Electric

    August 26, 2025 LOVATO Electric expands its range of accessories for soft starters and variable speed drives with the new EXCRDU2 remote display unit. It is compatible with LOVATO Electric soft starters ADXL series and ADXNP type, as well as variable speed drives VLB series, equipped with an optional RS485 port. Up to 32 devices can be connected to the same unit, even… Read More…