Russian Scientists Learn to Control the Wings of a Robotic Bird
Researchers replicated the neural system of real birds to reproduce the core mechanics of flight control.
Scientists at the Laboratory of Neurobiomorphic Technologies at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a wing control system for a robotic bird. The approach is based on reproducing the function of neural structures in the spinal cord that are responsible for rhythmic motion in living birds.
The team built a simplified version of an animal central pattern generator using a mathematical model of a spiking neuron. Combined with a “virtual muscle,” the model forms a self-regulating system that maintains rhythm without external commands, remains stable under interference, and allows changes in wingbeat frequency, amplitude, and asymmetry for maneuvering and energy efficiency.
A Self-Regulating Dynamic System
According to senior researcher and deputy head of the Neurobiomorphic Technologies Laboratory Innokenty Kastalsky, the neural network is divided into two halves connected by mutual inhibitory links.
The system architecture is designed to integrate feedback sensors, allowing the robotic bird to stabilize its flight in turbulence, counter gusts of wind, and recover after collisions.
The development is intended for drones that need to use energy efficiently and maneuver easily in hard-to-reach environments.
