The Bionic Learning Network’s motto for the Hanover Fair 2007 was “innovative drive concepts inspired by nature” – whether on Earth or in space, in the depths of the ocean or high in the air.
Hybrid construction with beating wing drive
Made possible by its lightweight design and the lift provided by helium, the Air_ray “swims” in a sea of air like a manta ray in water.
Manta ray driven by water hydraulics
The central drive and control unit for the wing and tail takes the form of a fluidic muscle from Festo, in combination with the Fin Ray Effect®.
Modelled on the human arm
Bones, muscles and joints: the combination of mechatronics and biological structures offers new possibilities for automated motion sequences.