Roboticsflapping wing roboticsStory 02
Robot wings recover from a bump by themselves
What changedResearchers built flapping robot wings that borrow an idea from insect muscles: motion helps generate the next beat. The wings adapt to mechanical changes and react to collisions through their own actuation dynamics. Laboratory flights through hanging obstacles were more stable than the comparison system, while overall flight still relies on a controller.
The useful part
Why it matters
Carefully designed mechanics could let flying robots react to contact before a central controller has time to intervene.
Keep in mind
Good to know
These are controlled laboratory flight and collision tests. The wings respond through their actuation dynamics, but the robot still needs a flight-control system.
Evidence