University of Tokyo’s DRAGON Lab developed the world’s first flapping-wing drone capable of safe human contact, inspired by a falcon.

The bird-like drone uses soft, flexible wings instead of propellers, making it quieter and safer for close interaction.

It responds to simple hand gestures: bent arm signals “stay,” extended arm means “approach and land.”

Eight motion-capture cameras track user movements, enabling precise flight planning that maintains 0.3-meter chest distance and approaches from predictable angles.
The drone’s sophisticated algorithm adjusts velocity based on human motion perception, potentially enabling package delivery and accessibility applications in crowded urban environments.

© Fossbytes

#drone #tech #bird #japan

Rare water birds such as egrets, herons and night herons dance over city center of Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Some glide across golden waters, others wade in silent hunt.

This harmony is no accident. Years of dedicated conservation has transformed Nanning's Nanhu Lake into a thriving sanctuary, where city life and wild grace now write a new story. #ChinaSeen #ecofriendly #animalprotection

University of Tokyo’s DRAGON Lab developed the world’s first flapping-wing drone capable of safe human contact, inspired by a falcon.

The bird-like drone uses soft, flexible wings instead of propellers, making it quieter and safer for close interaction.

It responds to simple hand gestures: bent arm signals “stay,” extended arm means “approach and land.”

Eight motion-capture cameras track user movements, enabling precise flight planning that maintains 0.3-meter chest distance and approaches from predictable angles.
The drone’s sophisticated algorithm adjusts velocity based on human motion perception, potentially enabling package delivery and accessibility applications in crowded urban environments.

France is making notable progress in clean energy with the development of bladeless wind turbines — a quieter, low-maintenance alternative to traditional models. These innovative vortex wind generators, created by companies like Vortex Bladeless, use wind-induced vibrations rather than spinning blades to produce electricity.

When wind passes a tall, slender cylinder, it creates alternating pressure zones that cause the structure to sway. This movement is then transformed into energy through piezoelectric materials or magnetic induction, eliminating the need for moving parts like gears or blades, and significantly reducing maintenance.

Unlike traditional turbines, these bladeless systems are nearly silent (emitting less than 20 Hz), pose no risk to birds, and require much less space, making them ideal for use in urban or residential settings. They're also more affordable to produce and install and can be paired with solar panels in hybrid renewable energy setups.

Prototypes such as the Vortex Nano (1 meter, 3W) and Tacoma (2.75 meters, 100W) currently produce less energy than standard turbines, but ongoing research — including studies by the University of Glasgow — aims to enhance their efficiency. Still in early stages, this technology has the potential to revolutionize wind power, particularly in areas with limited space or strict noise regulations.

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is known as one of the driest places on Earth, with some regions going decades without measurable rainfall. Yet, in a rare and breathtaking phenomenon, this barren landscape can transform into a vibrant field of pink and purple flowers when rainfall finally graces the region. This event, called the "desierto florido" or "flowering desert," typically occurs once every five to seven years when El Niño conditions bring unusually high precipitation.

The seeds of native wildflowers like *Cistanthe longiscapa* lie dormant beneath the desert floor, waiting for moisture. When rain finally arrives, these seeds rapidly germinate and bloom, carpeting the desert in stunning colors for just a few weeks. The spectacle not only attracts scientists and photographers from around the world but also supports local biodiversity by boosting populations of insects, birds, and small animals. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty.

In a heartwarming show of harmony between people and nature, a small village in India made a collective decision to keep their street lights off for 35 days—all to protect a tiny bird and her nest. It all began when an Oriental Magpie Robin chose to lay her eggs inside the main switch box controlling the village’s lights. Rather than remove the nest or disturb her, villagers agreed to leave the box untouched and let darkness fall each night until her young were safe.

The bird laid three delicate eggs in total, two of which eventually hatched. During that time, the entire community patiently waited, choosing safety and peace for the bird over the convenience of lighted roads. This quiet act of kindness didn’t just protect a wild creature—it brought the villagers together, showing that compassion and respect for even the smallest life can shine brighter than any light bulb.

Stories like this aren’t just rare—they’re a gentle reminder of how humans can coexist with nature when they choose empathy over control. In a world often rushing forward with little regard for the environment, this village’s simple gesture feels like a much-needed pause—and a beacon of hope.

You’re dining under the ocean…
and the ocean is powering your dinner.

In southern Norway, a restaurant called Under sits five meters below the surface — with concrete walls designed to harvest wave energy.

As the sea moves, the building absorbs pressure and converts it into electricity — powering its lights, kitchen, and ventilation.

Meanwhile, the outside becomes an artificial reef — attracting fish, plankton, and seabirds.

It’s part restaurant.
Part lab.
Part power station.

Sustainable dining, submerged.

Black Bird Ai