Flying gripper sphere picks up and drops off on its own [video]

With the ultra-light FreeMotionHandling indoor flying object, Festo has for the first time combined gripping and flying in a single future concept. The autonomous indoor flying object can manoeuvre freely in any direction, independently picking up and dropping off items where they are required.

Gizmag post

Festo press release (link  and text below)

https://www.festo.com/group/en/cms/11957.htm


Video: https://youtu.be/dv6zQr1_C9Q





Autonomous flying gripping sphere


Both gripping and flying have long been a topic for the Bionic Learning Network. In the FreeMotionHandling, Festo has for the first time combined both areas. The indoor flying object can manoeuvre autonomously in any direction, independently picking up and dropping off items where they are required.


Flying assistance system for handling in mid-air

The handling system consists of an ultra-light carbon ring with eight adaptive propellers. In the middle of the ring sits a rotatable helium ball with an integrated gripping element. As a result, both man and machine can interact with each other easily and safely, opening up entirely new possibilities for the workplace of the future. In this future, people could be supported by the spheres, using them as a flying assistance system – for example, when working at giddying heights or in hard-to-access areas.


Exact position sensing and precise object detection

No pilot is required to control the flying object. The sphere is coordinated externally by an indoor GPS, which has already been tried and tested on the eMotionSpheres and eMotionButterflies. In addition, the handling unit features two on-board cameras with which it monitors its surroundings, reacting to its environment even during the gripping process. Upon nearing the object to be gripped, the system takes over route planning, using the twin cameras for coordination.