Chinese scientists have unveiled RoboFalcon 2.0, a flapping-wing robot capable of self-takeoff and low-speed flight management. This new design addresses two major limitations of the original RoboFalcon: the inability to fly slowly and the requirement for assisted takeoff.
RoboFalcon 2.0 features reconfigurable wings weighing 800 grams, combining flapping, sweeping, and folding motions within a single wingbeat. This bird-inspired mechanism allows for improved pitch and roll control during flight. According to a study published in Science Advances, while previous bio-inspired robots often relied on simplified one-dimensional wing motions like those of insects or hummingbirds, RoboFalcon 2.0 replicates the three-dimensional kinematics of birds and bats.
Sweeping wings enhance lift and pitching momentum, as confirmed by wind tunnel tests and simulations. Ventral downstrokes combined with tucked upstrokes generate the necessary lift for takeoff, with the reconfigurable wing system reducing the complexity of flight control. Real-world demonstrations confirmed assisted-free takeoffs and low-speed stability.
Despite these advances, RoboFalcon 2.0 has limitations, including no yaw control and moderate energy efficiency. Researchers recommend further refinements to improve energy usage and stability, paving the way for future developments in avian-inspired robotics and robotic locomotion research.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
