Researchers at the Imperial College London’s Aerial Robotics Laboratory have created a very unique drone that is capable of shooting and attaching lines to nearby structures, in a similar way to that of Spiderman, to help it stay in position and support itself. This innovative drone, named SpiderMAV, represents a significant advancement in aerial robotics, combining bio-inspired engineering with practical applications.
Bio-Inspired Engineering
The SpiderMAV drone draws inspiration from nature, specifically from Darwin’s bark spider, which is known for its ability to shoot webs up to 25 meters in any direction. This remarkable feature allows the spider to create large, stable webs in complex environments. Similarly, the SpiderMAV drone can shoot and attach lines to structures around it, providing stability and support in challenging conditions. This capability is particularly useful in scenarios where traditional drones might struggle to maintain their position, such as in high winds or in environments with limited landing spots.
Watch the videos below to learn more about the unique system which has been described by leader researcher, Mirko Kovac, as having a similar feature shown by Darwin’s bark spider that is capable of firing webs up to 25 m in any direction.
Applications and Future Potential
The proof of concept project provides a first glimpse but a system that could be used to secure drones during high winds. Currently, the ‘webs’ from the drone are kept in place using strong magnets, which gives the drone its name SpiderMAV. This innovative approach to drone stabilization has several potential applications. For instance, in disaster response scenarios, drones equipped with this technology could be used to deliver supplies or perform reconnaissance in areas where it is difficult to land or hover steadily. Additionally, in construction and maintenance, SpiderMAV drones could assist in tasks that require stable positioning, such as inspections of tall structures or bridges.
Moreover, the ability to anchor itself could allow the SpiderMAV to conserve energy by reducing the need for constant flight adjustments, thereby extending its operational time. This feature could be particularly beneficial for long-duration missions or in environments where recharging or replacing batteries is not feasible.
For more information, a paper has been published called “SpiderMAV: Perching and Stabilizing Micro Aerial Vehicles with Bio-inspired Tensile Anchoring Systems,” by K. Zhang, P. Chermprayong, T. M. Alhinai, R. Siddall, and M. Kovac from Imperial College London which is accessible via the links below. This paper delves deeper into the technical aspects of the SpiderMAV, including the design and testing of the tensile anchoring system, and discusses potential future developments and improvements.
The SpiderMAV project exemplifies the innovative potential of bio-inspired engineering, demonstrating how principles observed in nature can be applied to solve complex engineering challenges. As research in this field continues, we can expect to see even more advanced and capable drones that can perform tasks previously thought impossible.
Source: TechCrunch : IEEE Spectrum
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