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MIT's $300 Robot Bird Masters Air and Water
22 Jul
Summary
- Robot bird flies, dives, swims, and flies again.
- Its wings adjust flapping speed and shape for water.
- Prototype costs $300 and features open-source design.
Researchers from MIT and EPFL have successfully engineered a robotic bird, costing approximately $300, that can transition seamlessly between flight and underwater swimming. This innovation marks the first instance of a flapping-wing robot completing such a full cycle.
The key to its success lies in its adaptable wings. These wings can adjust their flapping speed, ranging from 11 times per second in the air to 0.1-6 times per second underwater. They also flex up to 90% under water pressure, reducing resistance. The robot is neutrally buoyant, conserving energy underwater.
Launching from water into flight is a critical challenge overcome by the robot's moderately flexible wings and a short tail. A precise exit angle of around 70 degrees proved most effective, avoiding tail drag. This technology offers new avenues for studying diving bird behavior.
Future applications include environmental monitoring, allowing robots to gather data above and below water. The low material cost and open-source design encourage broader research and development, potentially making such technology more accessible for conservation efforts.
