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A Flapping Microrobot Inspired by Rhinoceros Beetle Wings
Context:
Recently, scientists from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland and Konkuk University in South Korea delved into how herbivorous insects—specifically rhinoceros beetles—deploy and retract their wings.
More on News:
- While birds and bats flap their wings using pectoral and wing muscles, the mechanisms behind insect wing movements are still not well understood.
- Scientists previously believed that beetles used thoracic muscles to control wing movement by actively deploying and retracting the wings at the base; however, recent findings have revealed a different mechanism.
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Previous Work:
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Key Highlights:
- The wing dynamics of flying animals have inspired many robotic systems.
- Rhinoceros beetles exhibit a unique wing structure.
- Their hindwings resemble foldable origami structures, neatly tucked under the elytra (a hardened forewing found in beetles) when at rest.
- Researchers demonstrated a novel approach by implementing passive wing mechanisms inspired by rhinoceros beetles.
- Unlike traditional flapping robots, this microrobot can fold its wings along its body when at rest and deploy them passively for flight.
Microrobot
- The flapping microrobot, weighing 18 grams (approximately twice the size of a real beetle), can deploy and retract its wings passively.
- This design utilises elastic tendons at the wings’ “armpits” to enable passive wing closure.
- During flight, the robot’s wings deploy passively through flapping motion.
- After landing, stopping the flapping action allows the wings to retract back along the body without additional actuators.
Applications:
- Search and rescue: The robot’s small size allows it to access confined spaces, such as collapsed buildings, where human entry is impossible. It can fly in narrow areas and switch to crawling when flight is not possible.
- Biological research: It can assist biologists in studying insect flight biomechanics.
- Surveillance: It can be used as a “spy insect” for discreet observation of real insects in environments where conventional drones are impractical.
- Pedagogical and engineering: The robot’s design makes it suitable for engineering research and as a safe, human-friendly engineering toy for children.
Implications:
- Exploration of Other Insects: Further studies could investigate whether other insects, such as small flies, use similar passive mechanisms.
- Design Improvements: Enhancements to the robot’s flight agility and ground locomotion capabilities, including sitting and crawling, are planned.