Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
UC Berkeley graduate student Wei Yue (left) and engineering professor Liwei Lin.
Credit: Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering
Credit: Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering
The smallest flying robot in the world has been developed by engineers at UC Berkeley.
The tiny bot, which measures 9.4 millimeters in diameter and only weighs 21 milligrams represents a major step forward for miniaturised technology. The robot was developed by Berkeley’s Mechanical Engineering Department. It is capable of hovering and changing direction mid-air. It can also strike small targets with accuracy.
The inspiration for this invention was taken from the bees flying from one flower to another. ‘Bees exhibit remarkable abilities like navigation and hovering that artificial robots of similar scale have struggled to replicate,’ said Liwei Lin, a professor of mechanical engineering and co-author of the study. The design of this tiny robot solves a major problem in microrobotics: power.
The smallest flying robot ever unveiled does not require batteries
The weight of traditional batteries and electronic components is too great for such a tiny size. The team used an external magnetic field instead to drive the robot. The team used two miniature magnets in its propeller-like design to repel each other when an alternating current is applied. This caused lift and enabled controlled flight.
The invention has a wide range of potential applications. From exploring tight spaces for search-and rescue missions to furthering scientific research in confined areas, to military applications. Fanping Sui, a recent Berkeley Ph.D. graduate and co-first author, stressed its potential: ‘Tiny flying robots are ideal for navigating complicated settings where larger flying devices can’t go.’
The robot does not have any sensors onboard that can provide information about its location. However, the team is hoping to develop it further to allow it to carry cameras as well as become more autonomous.
Tags: drone technology Robot
