French Engineer Creates Bird-Drone That Flies Indoors

Flying robots just got a lot more magical, thanks to a French engineer who solved a problem that's stumped inventors for years.

Edwin Van Ruymbeke created The Swift, a remote-control robotic bird that flies by flapping its wings just like the real thing. But here's the breakthrough: most wing-flapping robots can only zoom at high speeds, limiting them to outdoor use. The Swift changes everything with two interchangeable tails that let you control how fast or slow it flies.

With its Speed tail attached, The Swift reaches up to 19 mph for outdoor flight. Swap in the Precision tail, and it maintains stable flight at just 2 mph. That slow, controlled speed means you can finally fly a flapping-wing robot indoors without crashing into walls every five seconds.

The tiny aircraft weighs less than half an ounce and measures about the size of an actual swift bird. Van Ruymbeke built it from foam, carbon fiber, and titanium, so it bounces back from crashes without damage. You control it through a smartphone app that offers five settings per tail to adjust speed, glide, and response.

The app includes real-time stabilization corrections and adjustable assist levels for pilots of all skill levels. You can launch The Swift by hand like a paper airplane or from the ground using its built-in wheels. Each battery charge provides 10 to 12 minutes of flight time with a control range of nearly 500 feet.

Van Ruymbeke also offers an optional add-on called the X-Play, a physical joystick attachment that straps onto your phone's touchscreen. It transforms your smartphone into a traditional gaming controller for pilots who prefer tactile feedback over touching a screen.

The Swift is currently raising funds on Kickstarter, where early backers can reserve one for about $129. The planned retail price is $185 once it reaches full production.

Why This Inspires

This isn't just a cool toy for tech enthusiasts. The Swift represents years of engineering work to mimic nature's most efficient flyers. By solving the speed control problem, Van Ruymbeke opened up entirely new possibilities for ornithopter technology. His design could influence future drones used for indoor inspection, wildlife monitoring, or search and rescue in tight spaces.

The joy of watching a robot bird glide silently through your home might also inspire a new generation of engineers and nature lovers. Sometimes the most inspiring innovations are the ones that make advanced technology feel like pure magic.