In a groundbreaking development, engineers from MIT and EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, have unveiled a remarkable robotic creation capable of seamlessly transitioning between air and water environments. This innovative design, known as the Flapping-Wing Aerial-Aquatic Vehicle (FAAV), weighs under 300 grams (approximately half a pound) and mimics the agile movements of birds like puffins and gulls. The FAAV features a streamlined fuselage, two adaptable wings, and a motorized tail, allowing it to navigate both aerial and aquatic landscapes effectively.
The FAAV is powered by a waterproof electric motor that drives a crankshaft, facilitating wing movements at predefined frequencies. Its wings, constructed from thin membranes treated with hydrophobic nanoparticles, efficiently shed water, while the adjustable tail aids in altitude control during transitions between swimming and flying. Research led by Raphael Zufferey, an assistant professor at MIT, conducted experiments in both controlled water tank settings and at Lake Geneva, revealing optimal configurations for wing size, flapping rate, and tail angle that enhance the robot’s performance.
Results indicated that medium-sized, flexible wings strikingly reduce flapping amplitude underwater while maintaining stability in flight. The robot’s ability to achieve a steep pitch of 70 degrees enabled effective launches from the water’s surface, a feat typically requiring additional propulsion from foot movements in biological counterparts. Looking ahead, the potential applications for this technology are vast, particularly in oceanography and marine biology. Zufferey envisions scenarios where researchers could deploy the FAAV from boats or shorelines to gather data in hard-to-reach aquatic regions, significantly lowering operational costs compared to traditional vessels. Future enhancements will focus on wing maneuverability and performance testing in turbulent conditions, paving the way for innovative data collection methods in ocean sciences.
Source: It’s a bird, it’s a plane … it’s a robo-puffin? via MIT Technology Review