In a breakthrough that could revolutionize the capabilities of fixed-wing drones, researchers from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland and UC Irvine have developed a drone that can take off and land without a runway. Dubbed RAVEN, the Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironments, this innovative drone trades traditional landing gear for a pair of bird-inspired articulated legs.

RAVEN's legs, inspired by birds like crows and ravens, allow the drone to walk around, hop over obstacles, and even leap into the air to take flight without the need for a runway. This capability expands the operational range of fixed-wing drones, which typically require a significant amount of space to take off and land. In contrast, RAVEN can operate in areas that would be inaccessible to traditional fixed-wing aircraft, making it an attractive solution for various applications, including search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and surveillance.

The development of RAVEN's legs required a multidisciplinary approach, combining mathematical models, computer simulations, and experimental iterations. The final design uses a combination of springs and motors to mimic the powerful avian tendons and muscles, while its simplified feet feature two articulated structures and toes with a passive elastic joint. These toes not only prevent RAVEN from face-planting but are also critical for walking and positioning the drone at the right angle of attack for an effective takeoff.

While fixed-wing drones with legs for short takeoffs and landings are not a new concept, RAVEN's complexity and capabilities set it apart from previous designs. In 2019, a South African startup called Passerine demonstrated a drone called Sparrow that used spring-loaded legs to leap into the air and take flight from a standstill. However, RAVEN's advanced legs enable it to walk across rough terrain, jump over gaps, and hop onto obstacles as high as 10 inches, in addition to taking off and landing vertically.

The implications of RAVEN's capabilities are far-reaching. With its ability to operate in challenging environments without human intervention, RAVEN can access areas that may be dangerous or restricted to humans. This could lead to significant advancements in various fields, including environmental monitoring, disaster response, and infrastructure inspection. Furthermore, RAVEN's fixed-wing design and single motor make it more energy-efficient than quadcopter drones, giving it a larger operational range and making it a more viable solution for long-duration missions.

As the drone industry continues to evolve, innovations like RAVEN are poised to play a critical role in shaping its future. With its unique blend of avian-inspired design and advanced robotics, RAVEN has the potential to unlock new possibilities for fixed-wing drones and expand their capabilities in ways previously thought impossible.