| | | | |

Festo BionicBee

May 2, 2024

The BionicBee is small, ultra-light and can fly autonomously in a swarm thanks to an indoor localisation system with ultra-wideband technology.

For more than 15 years, the Bionic Learning Network has been focusing on the fascination of flying. In addition to the technical decoding of bird flight, the team has researched and technologically implemented numerous other flying objects and their natural principles.

With the BionicBee, the Bionic Learning Network has now for the first time developed a flying object that can fly in large numbers and completely autonomously in a swarm. The BionicBee will present its first flight show at the Hannover Messe 2024.

More Information

Festo

Related Story

BionicBee: Autonomous Flying in a Swarm
Festo BionicBee

At around 34 grams, a length of 220 millimetres and a wingspan of 240 millimetres, the BionicBee is the smallest flying object created by the Bionic Learning Network to date. For the first time, the developers used the method of generative design: after entering just a few parameters, a software application uses defined design principles to find the optimal structure to use as little material as necessary while maintaining the most stable construction possible. This consistent lightweight construction is essential for good manoeuvrability and flying time.

Related Articles



Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one of the main components of any automated system. A typical control system has inputs, outputs, controllers (i.e., PLCs), and some type of human interaction with the system, a human machine interface (HMI), for example.

Read More



Latest Articles

  • IPD Connectors: The Future of Tool-Free Power Distribution

    September 21, 2026 When it comes to reliable, efficient power distribution in challenging industrial environments, IPD (Installation Power Distribution) connectors represent a revolutionary leap forward in connectivity technology. At Proax, they understand that modern industrial installations demand solutions that combine speed, reliability, and versatility – exactly what IPD connectors deliver. As part of their comprehensive… Read More…

  • Active Load Sharing for DIN Rail Power Supplies

    September 15, 2026 When an industrial application requires more power than a single DIN rail power supply can deliver, connecting several units in parallel is an obvious solution. The technical challenge is to distribute the load evenly without compromising the output voltage. For more information on the parallel connection and redundancy of power supplies and… Read More…