Page 14 - trends in automation

Operationally reliable: Flight stability thanks to
continuous data acquisition and diagnostics in real time.
Inspired by nature: The complex wing-flapping principle of the
dragonfly has been technically achieved for the first time with the
BionicOpter from Festo.
Smartphone control
Like its model in nature, the BionicOpter
uses its clever flapping wing design to ­
fly in all directions in space and hover in
mid-air just like a helicopter. All these
manoeuvres can be executed with ease
using a smartphone. During operation,
the remote­control system simply trans-
fers the signals that tell the BionicOpter
where to fly and at what speed. The micro-
controller calculates all the parameters
that can be adjusted mechanically based
on the recorded flight data and the pilot’s
input. The processor actuates the eight
servo motors to translate the parameters
into movement using beat frequency, a
swivel device and the amplitude controller.
Thirteen degrees of freedom
The BionicOpter’s unique flight manoeu­
vres are facilitated by thirteen degrees of
freedom. A motor in the bottom part of
the housing provides the drive for the
common beat frequency of the four
wings (1st degree of freedom). Like a real
dragonfly, the BionicOpter’s wings can
be turned from horizontal to vertical.
Each wing is individually actuated by a
servo motor ­during this process and
twisted by up to ­90 degrees (2nd, 3rd,
4th, 5th degree of freedom). Four motors
Free movement: Even the most complex flight
manoeuvres can be performed easily and intuitively.