Researchers at Harvard have this month unveiled new developments within the creation of the Harvard RoboBee. A tiny robot drone that takes the form of a tiny paperclip-sized device that is capable of hovering and flying similar to that of real bees.
Innovative Capabilities of the RoboBee
Although the current prototypes of the RoboBee need to be tethered to a power source, the researchers have now been able to add the ability for the robot drones to hover, fly, dive, and now swim in water. This remarkable advancement adds functionality that not even real bees are able to replicate. The ability to transition seamlessly between air and water environments opens up a plethora of potential applications for these tiny robots.
For instance, in search and rescue missions, RoboBees could navigate through collapsed structures, fly over debris, and even dive into water to locate survivors. In environmental monitoring, they could be used to collect data from both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, providing a more comprehensive understanding of environmental changes.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
One of the significant challenges in developing the RoboBee was creating a mechanism that allows it to transition from air to water. The researchers tackled this by designing a special coating for the wings that reduces surface tension, allowing the RoboBee to break through the water’s surface. Additionally, the wings are capable of flapping at different frequencies, optimized for both air and water locomotion.
Another challenge was ensuring the RoboBee’s buoyancy and stability in water. The team incorporated tiny buoyant chambers within the robot’s structure, enabling it to float and maintain balance while submerged. These innovations are crucial for the RoboBee’s versatility and effectiveness in various environments.
Watch the video below to learn more about these tiny robot drones that are capable of flying in calm air and diving into water.
“Hybrid Aerial and Aquatic Locomotion in an At-Scale Robotic Insect,” by Yufeng Chen, E. Farrell Helbling, Nick Gravish, Kevin Ma, and Robert J. Wood from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University was presented at IROS 2015 in Hamburg, Germany.
The research presented at IROS 2015 highlights the interdisciplinary effort required to bring the RoboBee to life. Combining principles from biology, engineering, and materials science, the team has created a robot that not only mimics the flight of bees but also surpasses them in certain capabilities.
Looking ahead, the researchers aim to develop untethered versions of the RoboBee, which would significantly enhance their practicality and range of applications. Advances in micro-battery technology and wireless power transfer are expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Source: Engadget : IEEE Spectrum
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
