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Festo eMotionButterflies

Festo Bionic Learning Network (Germany) · 2015 · All Festo robots

Festo Bionic Learning Network (Germany) Festo eMotionButterflies (1)Festo Bionic Learning Network (Germany) Festo eMotionButterflies (2)
Not for sale
Not for sale (research)Not programmableRobotic butterfly swarmIndoor GPS via IR camerasUltralight
Not for saleShipping: Not for sale.
Remote control: Not possible. The swarm is coordinated by Festo's own camera-based indoor GPS system.
LEARN MORE (Festo) ↗

Overview

A swarm of ultralight robotic butterflies that fly together in a defined indoor airspace. Ten infrared cameras detect two markers on each butterfly's wings and a central master computer coordinates the flock, a demonstration Festo framed as a model for networked factory guidance systems. It built on the BionicOpter and eMotionSpheres projects.

At a glance
Type
Flapping-wing robot · Flapping-wing robots
Maker
Festo Bionic Learning Network (Germany)
Released
2015
Price
Not for sale
Status
Not for sale (research)
Best for
Professionals & labs
Programming
No programmability

Price and shipping

Research demonstrator, unveiled by Festo in March 2015 alongside the BionicANTs.

Shipping: Not for sale. Never sold.

Specifications

CategoryFlapping-wing fliers · Flapping-wing robots
Released2015
CountryGermany
AvailabilityNot for sale (research)
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 sensorsNo vision sensors
ActuatorsUnknown
AudioNo audio
Compute typeArduino / ESP32 / microcontroller, Laptop / PC as the brain
Remote controlNot programmable
Size50 cm wingspan, 32 g
LocomotionTwo flapping wings
ComputeSmall on-board controller driving two wing servos, flight paths coordinated by an external master computer
CameraNone on board, 10 external infrared cameras track the swarm
SensorsIMU (accelerometer, gyro, compass), two active infrared beacons for external tracking
Runtime3–4 min per flight, about 15 min recharge (two 90 mAh LiPo cells)
SpeedUp to 2.5 m/s, 1–2 wingbeats per second
SDKNone public

Common questions

How much does Festo eMotionButterflies cost?

Not for sale. Research demonstrator, unveiled by Festo in March 2015 alongside the BionicANTs.

Can Festo eMotionButterflies be bought today?

No. It was never sold to the public.

Who makes Festo eMotionButterflies?

Festo eMotionButterflies is made by Festo Bionic Learning Network (Germany). It came out in 2015.

Can Festo eMotionButterflies be programmed?

No programmability.

Does Festo eMotionButterflies 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