Abstract

With the Bionic Learning Network, an association between Festo and renowned universities, institutions and development companies, Festo promotes ideas and innovations which transcend its core areas of automation and didactics and which represent developments for the future. The Bionic Learning Network is closely linked with the innovation processes within our learning company and constitutes part of our commitment in the field of technical education and training. The open, interdisciplinary teamwork offers new perspectives and inspiration for industrial applications.

eMotionButterflies – ultralight flying objects with collective behaviour.   Flying is a recurring theme in the Bionic Learning Network. The developers channelled their knowledge gained from the projects on the BionicOpter and the eMotionSpheres into the bionic butterflies. They combine the ultralight construction of artificial insects with coordinated flying behaviour in a collective.

BionicANTs – Cooperative behaviour based on natural model.  For the BionicANTs, Festo has not only taken the delicate anatomy of the natural ant as a role model. For the first time, the cooperative behaviour of the creatures is also transferred to the world of technology using complex control algorithms. 

FlexShapeGripper – gripping modelled on a chameleon’s tongue.  The chameleon is able to catch a variety of different insects by putting its tongue over the respective prey and securely enclosing it. The FlexShapeGripper uses this principle to grip the widest range of objects in a form-fitting manner. 

MultiChoiceGripper – variable gripping based on the human hand.  In the case of the MultiChoiceGripper, the opposable thumb of the human hand acted as inspiration: Just like its natural role model, the Future Concept combines different grip types.