Tiny Winged Robot Hops Over Obstacles Using Insect-Inspired Design
- tech360.tv
- May 8, 2025
- 2 min read
A team of researchers has developed a miniature robot that uses flapping wings and a spring-loaded leg to hop across challenging terrain, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional flying robots.
The experimental robot, created by scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Hong Kong and the City University of Hong Kong, weighs less than 1 gram and stands just over 5 centimetres tall.
It features a vertically mounted carbon fibre rod that acts like a pogo stick, storing energy when compressed on landing and releasing it to propel the robot into the air.
Four insect-like flapping wings, powered by electrically activated artificial muscles, provide additional lift during each hop.
The robot can jump as high as 20 centimetres and move laterally at speeds of up to 30 centimetres per second.
Unlike conventional drones, which require constant wing movement to stay airborne, this robot uses its wings only to assist with lift and orientation, reducing energy consumption by 64%.
Currently tethered to an external power source and guided by a motion-tracking system, the robot identifies its next landing spot mid-air.
A control algorithm calculates the required landing angle and speed, and the wings adjust the robot’s orientation to ensure a successful touchdown.
This allows the robot to navigate over grass, ice, wet glass, uneven soil and even a tilting surface, outperforming wheeled or walking robots on rough or slanted terrain.
Researchers plan to equip the robot with an onboard battery and motion-tracking system, along with additional sensors for potential use in disaster response or hazardous environment exploration.
The study, led by Yi-Hsuan Hsiao, Songnan Bai and Zhongtao Guan, was recently published in the journal Science Advances.
Miniature robot uses wings and a spring leg to hop over rough terrain
Weighs under 1 gram and stands just over 5 cm tall
Consumes 64% less energy than traditional drones
Source: NEW ATLAS
