‘Nature demonstrates how maximum performance can be achieved with minimum energy consumption,’ a Festo spokesman said.
“The life-size bionic birds are hydrodynamic and can turn like real penguins because of the flexible glass fibre rods that control their heads.
Technical application:
submarine, airship
Bionic application:
Further description:
The creatures are propelled by elegant wings that also enable them to manoeuvre in small spaces. Each wing is formed from a spring steel skeleton covered with elastic silicon. This allows the flippers to twist at an ‘optimal angle’ for each stroke.
And unlike their real-life counterparts they can even swim backwards.
Each robot also carries 3D sonar, a concept borrowed from dolphins, that helps them to orientate themselves and communicate with each other to prevent collisions.”
Video:
Contact:
Sources:
http://deepseanews.com/2009/04/bionic-penguins-will-wipe-the-penguin-race/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1175353/Bionic-penguins-learn-swim-backwards-flight.html?ITO=1490