# Robotic Birds The Festo Automated Smartbird Mimics Actual Avian Movement By JDurhamII | Published 2011-03-28 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/festo-automated-smartbird References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2011/03/25/festo-smartbird/) & [festo](http://www.festo.com/cms/en_corp/11369_11378.htm#id_11378) Kites and remote-controlled airplanes are fun, but the best [futuristic flying toy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-x1-pro) is the Festo Automated Smartbird, a [fully automated bird](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onorato-ai) that replicates the movements and behavior of nature's aviators. The Festo Automated Smartbird can take off, fly and land -- all without the aid of a remote control or human intervention. The Smartbird's wings make its innovative air travel possible; they use special hinges that exactly mimic the wing and head [movements of real birds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-machine-set) to create thrust. The Festo Automated Smartbird is modeled after a herring gull, but it's a bit larger than the real-life bird. This innovative avian flyer is the first device of its kind to mimic an object of nature so closely. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Automated Nature-inspired Robotics:** The Festo Automated Smartbird mimics actual avian movement and is an example of automated nature-inspired robotics. - **Intelligent Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (uavs):** Advancements in mimicking avian movement for the Festo Automated Smartbird can lead to the development of more intelligent unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). - **Biomimicry Technology:** The Festo Automated Smartbird exemplifies the potential for biomimicry technology in the aviation industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Aerospace and Defense:** The aerospace and defense industry can benefit from advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that replicate avian movement like the Festo Automated Smartbird. - **Robotics and Automation:** The robotics and automation industry can explore more nature-inspired robots like the Festo Automated Smartbird for commercial and consumer use. - **Educational and Entertainment:** The educational and entertainment industry can use technology like the Festo Automated Smartbird to convey concepts of biomimicry and physics in an engaging way. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Falcon-Inspired Aerial Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-falcon.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Bird-Diverting Robotic Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-system.md) - [Crow-Shaped Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hooded-crow.md) - [AI-Enhanced Bird Feeders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robinsnote-smart-bird-feeder.md) - [Avian African Aircraft Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircraft-concepts.md) - [App-Extended Smart Birdfeeders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-birdfeeder.md) - [Bug-Like Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-insect-robot.md) - [AI-Powered Bird Feeder Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-bird-feeders.md)