Avian-Inspired Drone Takes Flight with Jumping Legs

The RAVEN drone, inspired by bird anatomy, features bird-like legs and articulated feet, allowing it to jump into the air for takeoff, which is more energy-efficient than traditional vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) methods. This design enables the drone to operate without a runway and adapt to various terrains by walking, hopping, or jumping. However, the landing process is still under development, as current tests end with the drone landing in a safety net.