The bionic turtle walker is, among other things, the result of a six-month period at Festo SE & Co. KG at Festo Bionics, which is part of the research department of the automation specialist company. Projects like walking robots are being realized there for innovation purposes.

The design had to be modular and take the shape of a turtle. A distinction was made between pneumatically functional and form-giving components. The shell, or carapace, fulfilled a purely form-giving function. As everything was printed from one material, the robot is fully recyclable.

The special thing about this one is that it starts to walk when air pressure of 2 bar is applied to the elastic, 3D-printed construction. The function was developed by the University of Freiburg, with whom I was in constant contact.

The function was developed by the University of Freiburg.

The whole non functional design was realized by Leonard Neuberger. Sketches, photos and renderings are by Leonard Neuberger.