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UCLA and UC Davis develop 185-milligram insect-inspired flying robot that can resume flight after collisions

A UCLA and UC Davis team published in Science Robotics a fully polymer micro flying robot weighing 185 milligrams that uses electrostrictive polymer films to directly drive flexible conical wings, with no mechanical transmission. In tests it can generate lift about three times its own weight, take off autonomously at an average speed of 40 centimeters per second, and still resume flight after being hit by a fly swatter or pressed under a load about 11,000 times its own weight. The current prototype is powered through external wires; the team's next steps are to improve steering and landing control, increase payload, and advance onboard power, control electronics, and sensing toward autonomy.

Part of the event: UCLA and UC Davis publish 185-milligram all-polymer flying robot

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