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UCLA and UC Davis publish 185-milligram all-polymer flying robot
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A UCLA and UC Davis team published an all-polymer micro flying robot in Science Robotics, weighing 185 milligrams, driven directly by electrostrictive polymer films acting on flexible conical wings, with no mechanical transmission. In tests it produced lift about three times its own weight, took off autonomously at an average speed of 40 centimeters per second, and could still resume flight after being hit by a flyswatter or pressed under a load about 11,000 times its own weight. The current prototype is powered through external wires and does not yet have onboard power, control electronics, or sensors. The team's next steps are to improve steering and landing control, increase payload, and advance autonomy; envisioned applications include monitoring natural environments, searching for disaster survivors in confined spaces, and inspecting hazardous areas.
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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.
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