2 Efficient: extremely light design for optimal flight characteristics Intuitive: simple interactive control of highly complex processes Airborne geometrical band with inversion drive SmartInversion is a helium-filled flying object that moves through the air by turning inside-out. This constant, rhythmically pulsating movement is known as inversion and gives the flight model its name. With the intelligent combination of extreme lightweight construction, electric drive units and control and regulation technology, inversion kinematics can be indefinitely maintained to produce motion through the air. Inversion kinematics after Paul Schatz The shape of this flying object is based on the geometrical band devised by Paul Schatz. This Swiss artist and technician dissected a cube into two star-shaped units and an invertible geometrical band; this band comprises an articulated ring of six members that detaches itself from the two stationary units at the corners and constantly turns inside-out, taking on different geometrical shapes in the process. With the geometrical band Schatz discovered that the principle of kinematics, which until then had been based on rotation and translation (linear motion), could be extended by a further mode: inversion. Setting new standards in automation technology As part of its Future Concepts programme, Festo is constantly searching for new or not yet widespread concepts of movement and propulsion. In cooperation with renowned universities, institutes and development companies, Festo transfers mathematical and scientific processes to industrial application. With SmartInversion, the engineers and designers are now investigating where and how geometrical inversion can be put to use in technology. Inspiration for new drive concepts Festo had previously concentrated on solutions based on the mechanical principles of rotation and translation. Rotary drives, servo motors and pneumatic and semi-rotary electric drive units operate on the principle of rotation. Linear axes and parallel grippers are examples of translational kinematics. This morphology could be extended by the principle of inversion. Initial applications of the ideas of Paul Schatz already exist in industry, for example in the form of internal mixers or as oloid mixers for aerating and circulating standing waters.
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