This drone has legs: Watch a flying robot perch on branches, catch a tennis ball in mid-air

Wings aren’t the only things that make birds so successful. If it weren’t for their feet, how would pelicans skimming the tips of waves be able to suddenly land on a pier piling, or owls grab a mouse at 64 kilometers per hour without missing a beat? Robot birds must be able to do the same—something that has been a challenge, until now.

In a new study, researchers analyzed the anatomy and behavior of a tiny American parrot called a parrotlet and peregrine falcons, two species known for their expert footwork. They then designed “SNAG” (Stereotyped Nature-Inspired Aerial Grasper) - a pair of jointed legs attached to feet with jointed talons that automatically close around any object they encounter, be it a dowel, branch, or tennis ball.

[JeDxDeVu]

Let's be honest. They're going to put guns on it.

[kylesreviews]

Dr Robotnic army is coming along nicely.

[hooptiej]

just one question: Where can get the STL for my quads.

[FunnyDougy]

WTF is that youtube notice under the video? They fact checking science with links that go to a google website... Crazier and crazier power trips by the day over at big tech.

[napalmholocaust]

Save batteries on loitering for more trigger time.

[comment.highlighted]

Never even thought about the mechanics of birds perching 🤔

[footfault]

An intriguing footage. Yes, birds fly then they have to land safely! A fascinating study, showing the toe configuration making no difference as far as landing technique is concerned! Landings by flying lizards or squirrels are also equally elegant from which much could be learned.

[joshuaidugboe]

your saying that Gov bird drones are possible?!

[oribenzihry]

How do you and commercial companies decide whether to use Arduino, microcontroller, raspberry pi, fpga or a combination of those?

[_robustus_]

Parrot feet have the added advantage of climbing agility, which shouldn’t be overlooked.

[SebyVarghese-vy]

To really engage and invest people in the real use of robots and drones in daily life, we have to create a game as popular as NBA, football where robotic drones play a game of quidditch inspired basketball or football and make it like a league game.

[feelkorea]

Thanks for the wonderful video. Have a nice day.

[royschmidt]

AMAZING ! Thank you ! Peace & Love ❤️🙏

[brada]

Just think of the resources "spent" on this defense department project

[MrPilotStunts]

Another step closer to a submarine that climbs trees

[miroslavhoudek]

As my grandma would say: "It's better they do this cybernetic research than if they were doing drugs somewhere"

[RobertHildebrandt]

Drones without legs: "Fly yes, Land no!"

[pritchardmhere]

If you can figure out how to mount a missile launcher on it Lockheed Martin will give you a couple hundred million. 😒

[DriftaholiC]

We already know birds aren't real. This is just further proof.

[theartofbeingdave]

Is someone going to use this to steal my dog?