Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a special drone that can autonomously collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from tree branches, allowing for tracking of biodiversity. The drone's adhesive strips pick up material from the branch, which is then extracted and analyzed to identify genetic matches of various organisms.
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Researchers created a robotic wing that can flap more efficiently than previous robots, mimicking the upstroke of birds. This study could lead to more efficient flapping drones for various applications, including deliveries.
SourceLund University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateJan 13, 2023
A new research project at Aarhus University aims to develop intelligent drones that can detect ice on turbine blades, optimizing energy production and expanding market opportunities. The project has the potential to reduce energy losses by up to 80% and enable wind farms to operate in colder climates.
A new study has found that springtails' jumping, soaring, and landing patterns are precise and controlled, with some species able to land on their feet. The research, led by Victor Ortega Jiménez, aims to teach robots how to replicate this ability.
SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2022
Researchers at Purdue University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have developed a metamaterial that can learn to adapt to its surroundings on its own. The material uses shape to store information in microseconds, allowing drones to quickly recall patterns associated with dangerous conditions.
SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateOct 26, 2022
Scientists have developed a theory that allows flying insects and drones to estimate the gravity direction without accelerometers. The approach combines visual motion sensing with a motion model, enabling drones to predict their attitude and navigate in cluttered environments.
SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2022
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Researchers developed a new principle for estimating gravity direction in flying insects and drones by combining optical flow with movement modeling. This allows them to determine the direction of gravity in most situations except when completely stationary, which destabilizes their flight.
SourceCNRS·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022
Researcher Giuseppe Loianno receives $1 million grant from DARPA to develop USARC robots that can autonomously collaborate in teams. The project aims to create robots capable of executing maneuvers with superior performances compared to human-controlled or current autonomous ground and aerial robots.
A team of Swiss researchers has developed Aerial Additive Manufacturing (AAM), a system that uses flying drones to print materials for construction projects. The technology enables on-site manufacturing and building in difficult-to-access or dangerous locations, such as post-disaster relief construction and tall buildings.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022
Researchers have developed a technology using flying robots that mimic the collective building methods of bees and wasps to construct and repair large structures. The Aerial Additive Manufacturing system consists of drones that work autonomously but are monitored by human controllers, adapting their techniques as needed.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2022
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Researchers aim to create intelligent drones that can autonomously inspect coal waste storage facilities, detecting cracks and deformities with thermal and visual images. The drones will be equipped with AI-based software to identify potential hazards, providing a faster and long-term solution to prevent environmental damage.
Researchers at MIT created insect-scale robots that can emit light during flight, allowing for precise motion tracking and potential communication between robots. The ability to emit light also enables the robots to call for help in search-and-rescue missions.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateJun 21, 2022
A Washington State University research team developed a system using cameras and small drones to detect and deter pest birds. The system successfully reduced bird counts by four-fold in vineyards, resulting in a 50% reduction in damaged fruits. Further refinement and industry partnerships are needed for commercialization.
SourceWashington State University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateJun 1, 2022
Researchers at MIT have developed a new fabrication technique that enables the creation of soft actuators with 75% lower voltage requirements and 80% more payload capacity than current versions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of flying microrobots with improved performance and payload capabilities.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 16, 2021
Researchers at WVU are creating control software for aerial robots to survey Venus' atmosphere, helping model the evolution of climate on Earth. The aerobots will use a hybrid airship design and energy-efficient paths to explore the planet's surface.
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Researchers developed a perching robot inspired by birds, called SNAG, which can fly around, catch objects, and land on different surfaces. The robot's design mimics the legs of a peregrine falcon, allowing it to absorb impact energy and convert it into grasping force.
SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 1, 2021
Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have found that drones can be used as communication bases with underwater robotic devices (AUVs) for ocean surveys. UAVs offer high-speed observations, mobility, and resistance to ocean currents, making them suitable candidates for this application.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalRemote Sensing·DateOct 29, 2021
Researchers at MIT have developed a new generation of tiny, agile drones that can operate in cramped spaces and withstand collisions. The drones use soft actuators to mimic insect flight, allowing them to flap their wings nearly 500 times per second and navigate complex environments with high agility.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateMar 3, 2021
Researchers designed an aerial robot that can alter its profile during flight to reduce its wingspan and navigate through narrow passages. The Quad-Morphing robot has two rotating arms equipped with propellers, allowing it to fly like a helicopter and adopt different arm orientations to traverse tight spaces.
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Researchers developed a self-contained robotic bat with soft, articulated wings that mimic biological bats' key flight mechanisms. The robot's morphing skeleton and silicone-based membrane skin allow for smooth aerodynamic surfaces and safe collision detection.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 1, 2017
Tiny drones are programmed to apply precise dots of ink to create portraits on paper, showcasing the potential for artistic collaboration between humans and machines.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired robot that uses electrostatic forces to perch on different surfaces, reducing energy costs and increasing mission durations. The robot can resume flight after perching, making it suitable for applications such as surveying or detecting hazardous chemicals.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2016
A NASA instrument package will measure atmospheric conditions on a record-breaking solo balloon flight around the world. The mission aims to simulate planetary missions and educate the public on Earth's lower atmosphere.
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