A pigeon-like robot could help improve aviation

A pigeon-inspired flying robot is solving avian mysteries that may help create more stable aircrafts.

While birds seem to seamlessly maintain stability during turbulence, airplanes need rudders and vertical tails to avoid being rocked from side to side. Scientists have suspected that birds maintain balance by reflexively adjusting their wings and tails but this hypothesis has been hard to prove with real birds in field studies.

To overcome this challenge, scientists at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), developed PigeonBot II, a robot equipped with morphing wings, pigeon-like wingtips, and even 52 real pigeon feathers. Just like a real bird, it can elevate, spread its wings, and control its tail.

The study, led by Eric Chang, tested PigeonBot II in both indoor and outdoor conditions, and, according to the researchers, confirms the theory and could help inspire more efficient, rudderless aircrafts.