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AquaPenguins

Festo Bionic Learning Network, Germany · 2009 · All Festo robots

Festo Bionic Learning Network, Germany AquaPenguins (1)
Not for sale
Not for sale (research)Not programmableFesto bionicsWing drive3D sonarFin Ray hull
Not for saleShipping: Not for sale.
Remote control: Not possible. Autonomous exhibition demonstrator with no public interface.
LEARN MORE (Festo: AquaPenguins) ↗

Overview

Festo's AquaPenguins copied the streamlined body of penguins and navigate autonomously in a group, using a 3D sonar system and a pressure sensor. The hull extends Festo's Fin Ray structure into three dimensions for the first time, which Festo pitched as a flexible parallel-kinematic idea for automation. They were shown swimming in a pool at the Hannover Messe in April 2009.

At a glance
Type
Swimming robot · Robot fish & biomimetic swimmers
Maker
Festo Bionic Learning Network, Germany
Released
2009
Price
Not for sale
Status
Not for sale (research)
Best for
Professionals & labs
Programming
No programmability

Price and shipping

Corporate technology demonstrator

Shipping: Not for sale. Trade-show demonstrator. Festo does not sell it.

Specifications

CategorySwimming robots · Robot fish & biomimetic swimmers
Released2009
CountryGermany
AvailabilityNot for sale (research)
SalesA colony of 3 built, never sold (2009) PBSI on the Net ↗
ProgrammabilityNo programmability
Built-in autonomyReactive · Responds to its surroundings without a map, such as avoiding obstacles or following a person
LLM supportNone · No built-in LLM and no SDK to connect one.
Best forProfessionals & labs
Vision sensorsSonar / ultrasonic
ActuatorsUnknown
AudioNo audio
Compute typeProprietary / undisclosed
Remote controlNot programmable
Size0.77 m long, 0.19 m max torso diameter, 9.6 kg in air
PropulsionFlapping wing drives plus a flexible Fin Ray structure in the hull, can turn on the spot and swim backwards
Depth ratingTank use (not published)
Tether / commsUntethered (autonomous)
CameraNone
Sensors3D sonar using broadband ultrasound (dolphin-style) for position and collision avoidance, separate pressure sensor for depth
Runtime6–7 h
SpeedUp to 5 km/h (2.7 kn)
ComputeOnboard controller (not published)
SDKNone public

Common questions

How much does AquaPenguins cost?

Not for sale. Corporate technology demonstrator.

Can AquaPenguins be bought today?

No. It was never sold to the public.

Who makes AquaPenguins?

AquaPenguins is made by Festo Bionic Learning Network, Germany. It came out in 2009.

Can AquaPenguins be programmed?

No programmability.

Does AquaPenguins have AI chat or LLM support?

None. No built-in LLM and no SDK to connect one.

Ratings & reviews

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Image credits