MIT, EPFL Build $300 Robotic Bird That Flies, Swims and Relaunches in 1 Second
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 22
MIT, EPFL Build $300 Robotic Bird That Flies, Swims and Relaunches in 1 Second
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 22
Summary
An 8.8-ounce robot from MIT and EPFL completed an air-to-water-to-air cycle using only flapping wings, which researchers said is a first for a bird-scale machine.
The $300 prototype handles water that is about 800 times denser than air by changing wingbeat speed and letting flexible wings bend up to 90%, reducing motor load underwater.
Water takeoff is the toughest step: the robot exits in under one second with eight to 10 wingbeats, performing best with moderately flexible wings, a short tail and a roughly 70-degree launch angle.
Tests suggest flying becomes more energy-efficient than swimming beyond about 51 feet, pointing to future missions that mix both modes for waterway monitoring, sampling and wildlife observation.
The design was published in Science with open CAD files, but the current robot still needs human control for parts of its operation and has yet to be hardened for saltwater use.
Can a $300 robotic bird that mimics nature revolutionize how we monitor the health of our planet's waterways?
From military drone ships to robotic seabirds, what is the next frontier for machines conquering both air and sea?
As autonomous drone boats prove successful in rescues, what new risks do they introduce to modern naval warfare?
Breaking Barriers: The 300g Robotic Bird That Flies, Swims, and Transforms Environmental Science
Overview
The Flapping-wing Aerial-Aquatic Vehicle (FAAV), developed by engineers at MIT and EPFL, is a major breakthrough in bio-inspired robotics. This robotic bird can both fly through the air and swim underwater, closely mimicking the abilities of diving birds like puffins and gulls. Its design features a central fuselage, flexible flapping wings made from hydrophobic materials, and a steerable tail. These innovations, along with neutral buoyancy, allow the FAAV to move smoothly between air and water. The FAAV’s unique capabilities open new possibilities for environmental monitoring and biological research.