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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Swiss researchers have developed RAVEN, a bird-like robot capable of walking, jumping, and flying
• Inspired by avian anatomy, the robot’s unique design allows it to seamlessly transition between air and ground navigation
• Developers envision its potential for rescue missions and parcel deliveries in hard-to-reach locations
🔭 The context: Unlike traditional drones, RAVEN uses "avian-inspired" legs to take off by jumping, a more efficient method than relying solely on propellers
• It resembles a bird with wings, a V-shaped tail, and simplified joints compared to real birds
• Future updates will include foldable wings and additional sensors for autonomous navigation in narrow and complex terrains
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: RAVEN's versatility could transform disaster response by reaching remote, cluttered areas more effectively than conventional drones or robots
• Its ability to combine aerial and ground mobility might also reduce energy consumption and expand access to sustainable delivery options in isolated regions
⏭️ What's next: Researchers aim to enhance RAVEN's functionality by equipping it with foldable wings and advanced sensors, improving adaptability for rescue operations
• Scaling up the technology could enable widespread applications, from emergency aid to environmental monitoring and remote logistics
💬 One quote: “The foldable wings will be quite helpful for search and rescue missions because the robot will have to pass through some narrow passages,” - Won Dong Shin, lead researcher at EPFL.
📈 One stat: RAVEN's jumping takeoff method makes it 20% more energy-efficient than drones that rely solely on propellers, according to the research team
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