Looks like sci-fi: the robot bee that flaps 400 times per second and is lighter than a paperclip
Scientists in the US have created a robot that is the size of an insect.
Imagine a tiny machine, lighter than a paperclip, that hovers and flits around with the same finesse as an insect. In what is potentially a hugely significant development, researchers at MIT have engineered just such a robot.
These miniature flyers, invented by the Soft and Micro Robotics Lab have shattered the previously held records: they sustain flight for over 1,000 seconds—more than 100 times longer than earlier models—and can perform acrobatic feats like double aerial rolls and even trace out the letters “M-I-T” mid-air.
Their wings flap 400 times a second and they have even achieved a maximum speed of two meters (6.5 feet) per second.
They published their invention in Science Robotics: “The amount of flight we demonstrated in this paper is probably longer than the entire amount of flight our field has been able to accumulate with these robotic insects. With the improved lifespan and precision of this robot, we are getting closer to some very exciting applications, like assisted pollination,” says Kevin Chen, head of the lab.
“We’re just trying to mimic these amazing manoeuvers that bumblebees can achieve,” says Yi-Hsuan Hsiao, a PHD student working on the technology. “If you’re going to grow something on Mars, you probably don’t want to bring a lot of natural insects to do the pollination. That’s where our robot could potentially come into play.”
A large part of the upgrade involved reimagining what wing mechanics look like in robots. The “muscles” in these flyers are soft, carbon-nanotubes. These components had previously let go at high speeds, so the team crafted a new transmission and a precisely cut wing hinge that dramatically reduced mechanical stress while boosting efficiency.
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“This new robot platform is a major result from our group and leads to many exciting directions. For example, incorporating sensors, batteries, and computing capabilities on this robot will be a central focus in the next three to five years,” Chen says.
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