According to Lukas Ziegler (@lukas_m_ziegler), researchers at EPFL have developed the RAVEN drone, which uses AI-powered, bio-inspired legs modeled after birds to enable autonomous walking, hopping, and jumping takeoffs without the need for runways or human assistance (source: https://x.com/lukas_m_ziegler/status/2004126321551516127). By integrating advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, RAVEN’s spring-motor legs mimic avian biomechanics, transforming what was previously 'dead weight' into an active component for efficient locomotion and aerial launches. This design allows the drone to traverse rough terrains, jump onto elevated surfaces, and achieve takeoff heights of nearly 50 cm at forward speeds of 2.2 m/s, making the process up to 10 times more energy-efficient compared to static launches. These innovations open significant business opportunities for deploying autonomous drones in search and rescue, inspection, and remote industrial operations where traditional launch methods are impractical.