Germany – A German firm Festo has invented two varieties of robotic creatures in an endeavor to turn into authenticity all the sci-fi stories surrounding the robot army expeditions. Researchers from the company have recently used the 3D printing technology in developing flying drones which are said to be in close resemblance of butterflies and ants. It is a technology that may require the use of electricity on which the robots will operate.
These robotic ants, which also go by the name BionicANTs have almost the same size as a human hand even though they are not small. They are just over 5 inches long and weigh just over 1 ounce each having been made of ultra-lightweight material. While their heads are provided with a stereo camera, their body is of plastic make and will operate exactly like their living counterparts.
The stereo camera will help them determine their location while being able to identify different objects which will be caught through the use of the gripping device underneath the chin. They will be in a position to copy the behavior of real ants. This means, they will make individual decisions autonomously and they will also be able to communicate with each other but by the use of wireless signals.
Besides being of high functionality, these bionic creatures are also said to be of extreme beauty, with vibrant colors and elaborate details. Sources from the Company say that it is the strategic design of these creatures that is responsible for the beauty in them. Their aesthetics make them score very highly which has been made possible by the 3D MID technology applied on the creatures’ laser-sintered shaped body parts.
The production of these ANTs which is an abbreviation of Automated Networking Technologies is part of Festo’s Company Bionic Learning Network. It was started so as to enable the linking of companies to universities, institutions, development companies and private investors and in an effort to seek and create solutions and new technologies.