A flying insect robot that is easy to hit with a flystick

A research team at the Lausanne Federal Institute of Technology IAL (Integrated Actuators Laboratory) has developed a flying robot (DEAnsect) equipped with soft materials and artificial muscles. This robot is flexible enough to not break even if you strike it with a flapper.

This flying robot weighs only 0.2g. Since it is equipped with a photodiode that can replace the eyes, it can distinguish black and white, and it can move at a speed of 3cm per second by following the line drawn on the floor. There is also a version that can operate completely wirelessly and autonomously with a microcontroller board and battery. The robot can operate at low voltages, and a fairly small battery is enough.

This flying robot has 3 pieces on its head: 1 forefoot and 2 for hind legs. The leg is an artificial muscle made of an elastic membrane located between two electrodes. It can move 450 round trips per second. When a voltage is applied, the electrode compresses the membrane, and when the voltage is turned off, it returns to its original shape. The research team has revealed that the robot can fly back and forth, left and right, as well as up and down hilly terrain.

The research team is also considering that this robot will be equipped with a two-way communication function in the future and move in groups by linking several robots. It is also conceivable to use a robot bee to act as a flower pollinator or to investigate the affected area. Related information can be found here .