German Scientists: Future Factories To Be Operated By Bionic Ants and Butterflies [WATCH VIDEO]

The Biomimicry experts at the German technology firm Fesco have developed a range of 3D printed bionic insects that could potentially help operate factory machines in the future.

The artificial insects — ants and butterflies — closely resemble their original forms such that a person cannot differentiate between the real and unreal form at a single glance. The artificial drones have the same skills as that of the original insect, including body coordination and movement.

The bionic ants and butterflies reportedly coordinate their actions to perform a certain task, just like they do in their real world colonies and swarms. According to Festo, such artificially created technology will help the future production systems which will demand intelligent individual components, that can communicate within their groups and decide what action they need to perform to meet the production demand.

In case of bionic ants, the robot has a stereo camera and a floor sensor that allows it to identify the place and objects around that needs to be picked up. Lithium batteries are fitted on the robotic ants to provide power for the movement. According to Reuters UK, the bionic ants are able to complete complex group tasks such as transportation of heavy load.

On the other hand, the bionic butterflies do not bear a sensor to keep its body light-weight. However, different cameras placed inside a room can track its movement, using the infrared marked on each bionic butterfly. The data processed by the computer attached to the cameras provide instructions to the robot about what task needs to be performed.

Festo is planning to showcase its bionic ants and butterflies at the industrial technology fair, Hannover Messe, in April.

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