The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation Season 1 Episode 22 Robot Birds

In this episode of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation, the host Mo Rocca explores the world of robotics and its integration with nature. The focus of the episode is on a new type of robotic bird developed by Festo, a leading provider of automation technology and training. Mo visits the Festo headquarters in Germany, where he is introduced to these unique, life-like robots that mimic the behavior and movement of real birds.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to Festo and its history of developing automation technology for various industries. Mo then meets with a team of engineers at Festo who have been working on the development of their new robotic birds, called SmartBirds. These birds are designed to look and move like real birds, using flapping wings to create lift and propulsion.

Mo observes the SmartBird in action as it flies through the air inside a large building. He notes that the bird's movements are incredibly precise and life-like, and that it seems to be able to maneuver through obstacles with ease. The Festo engineers explain that the SmartBird is powered entirely by bionic technology, including lightweight materials and highly efficient motors.

Next, Mo visits a wildlife refuge in Florida where he observes real birds in their natural habitat. He talks to bird experts who explain how birds use their wings to fly and how they can adapt their wing movements to different conditions. Mo then contrasts this with the SmartBird, which he describes as "anatomy with a twist." The SmartBird, he notes, is designed to resemble a bird in many ways, but it also incorporates modern technology to achieve its movements.

Mo then meets with a team of researchers from the University of Maryland who are using robotics to study bird flight. These researchers have developed a robotic bird with detachable wings, which they use to study how real birds adjust their wings to different conditions. Mo notes that this research could have practical applications for the development of more efficient aircraft.

The episode concludes with a final demonstration of the SmartBird in action. Mo observes as the bird takes off and lands on command, and even flaps its wings to create intricate patterns in the air. He marvels at the technology and engineering behind the SmartBird, commenting that "it truly is a work of art."

Overall, the episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of robotics and nature, highlighting the ways in which technology can learn from biology to achieve new levels of efficiency and innovation. The SmartBird is a prime example of this, and the episode does an excellent job of showcasing its capabilities and potential applications.