Main » 2011»November»19 » Design of Future Flying Robots Possibly Based on Dragonflies
4:09 PM
Design of Future Flying Robots Possibly Based on Dragonflies
Scientists sometimes look to nature for inspiration and for flying
robots the likely model seems to be the lowly dragonfly. The research is
being conducted by a team from Duke University in cooperation with
another group from Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The aim is to better
understand the intricacies of how the insect manages flight and from
there possibly derive insights for designing future robotic airborne
machines or vehicles.
The researchers attach a microchip to
the dragonfly and electrodes to its neurons. The sensors capture the
insect’s neural signals and such data are then transmitted by the chip
via Wi-Fi. The microchip weighs only one-tenth of the insect’s weight
and doesn’t interfere with its movements. Coupled with high-speed video, the researchers are able to make internal and external observations.
Did you know that dragonflies catch their prey in mid-flight and can
achieve speeds of almost 60 mph? Matt Reynolds, an electrical engineer
from Duke working on the project,
points out the dynamic range of the insect’s wings which provides it
with high maneuverability and control. These exceptional aerodynamic
qualities make the dragonfly an excellent subject for the study.
