🤖Robot Flies and Swims Like a Bird
A new robot can switch between swimming and flying like a bird
TL;DR
MIT researchers unveiled a lightweight robot that can transition seamlessly from water to air. Weighing just 250 grams, it flaps at different speeds in each medium and could revolutionize environmental monitoring.
A team of MIT researchers has developed a new flying-swimming robot capable of transitioning between aquatic and aerial environments with ease. This innovation mimics the natural abilities of birds that can both fly and swim. The robot's unique design, weighing just 250 grams (8.8 ounces), allows it to flit through water and air using flexible wings that bend up to 90% underwater. It’s crucial for environmental monitoring in marine ecosystems where traditional drones or boats struggle. With materials costing around $300, the robot is affordable enough for widespread replication, making it a game-changer for researchers studying lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
Key Points
The robot weighs just 250 grams (8.8 ounces), making it lightweight for both flight and swimming.
Wings flap up to 11 Hz in air, dropping to between 0.1 and 6 Hz underwater, adjusting speed based on medium density.
Neutral buoyancy allows the robot to neither float nor sink without assistance, crucial for stable operation.
Launches out of water using 8-10 wingbeats within one second at a near 70-degree exit angle.
Open CAD files released; anyone with a 3D printer can build their own version for around $300.
Why It Matters
Environmental researchers studying aquatic ecosystems will benefit from this robot's unique ability to monitor both water and air. Its lightweight design, costing just $300, makes it accessible for widespread use in monitoring marine life and pollution levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
Environmental researchers studying aquatic ecosystems will benefit from this robot's unique ability to monitor both water and air. Its lightweight design, costing just $300, makes it accessible for widespread use in monitoring marine life and pollution levels.
What happened?
MIT researchers unveiled a lightweight robot that can transition seamlessly from water to air. Weighing just 250 grams, it flaps at different speeds in each medium and could revolutionize environmental monitoring.
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