The First Takeoff of a Biologically Inspired At-Scale Robotic Insect

作者：Robert J. Wood · 发表于：IEEE Transactions on Robotics · 年份：2008 · DOI：10.1109/tro.2008.916997 · 被引用次数：914 · 研究领域：Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms、Micro and Nano Robotics、Robotic Locomotion and Control

Biology is a useful tool when applied to engineering challenges that have been solved in nature. Here, the emulous goal of creating an insect-sized, truly micro air vehicle is addressed by first exploring biological principles. These principles give insights on how to generate sufficient thrust to sustain flight for centimeter-scale vehicles. Here, it is shown how novel manufacturing paradigms enable the creation of the mechanical and aeromechanical subsystems of a microrobotic device that is capable of Diptera-like wing trajectories. The results are a unique microrobot: a 60 mg robotic insect that can produce sufficient thrust to accelerate vertically. Although still externally powered, this micromechanical device represents significant progress toward the creation of autonomous insect-sized micro air vehicles.