The field of robotics has been greatly influenced by the wing dynamics of various flying animal species, such as birds, bats, and insects. While the flapping mechanisms of birds and bats have been extensively studied, the processes behind the wing movements of insects have remained somewhat of a mystery. A recent study by researchers at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL, Switzerland) and Konkuk University (South Korea) sought to investigate how herbivorous insects, specifically rhinoceros beetles, deploy and retract their wings. The findings of this study, which were published in Nature, have paved the way for the development of a new flapping microrobot that mimics the passive wing deployment and retraction mechanisms observed in beetles.
The hindwings of beetles, particularly rhinoceros beetles, have been described as foldable origami structures that can be neatly folded and stowed under the elytra while at rest, and then passively deployed during flight. Previous studies have focused on replicating the dynamics of beetle wings using origami-like structures, but have overlooked the movements at the base of the hindwings. Lead author Hoang-Vu Phan noted that his research builds upon previous work that discovered the shock-absorbing function of rhinoceros beetles’ hindwings during in-flight collisions. Through his observations, Phan found that beetles can leverage their elytra and flapping forces to passively deploy their hindwings for flight, and then use the elytra to retract the wings upon landing.
Building upon their insights from studying rhinoceros beetles, the researchers developed a flapping microrobot that weighs 18 grams and can passively deploy and retract its wings. By implementing a passive mechanism using elastic tendons at the armpits, the robot can fold its wings along its body at rest and deploy its wings for takeoff by activating flapping motion. This passive wing deployment and retraction system eliminates the need for extensive actuators and allows for stable flight without the use of thoracic muscles commonly found in birds and bats.
Applications and Future Directions
The passive wing deployment system developed for the flapping microrobot opens up a wide range of applications, including search and rescue missions in confined spaces, where conventional drones may not be able to access. The robot’s ability to fly into narrow spaces, land, and switch to crawling mode makes it a versatile tool for exploring inaccessible environments. Additionally, the robot could serve as a valuable tool for biologists studying insect flight biomechanics, as well as an educational toy for children due to its safe and human-friendly design.
The study conducted by Hoang-Vu Phan and his colleagues sheds light on the passive mechanisms underlying wing deployment and retraction in beetles, offering a novel approach to designing flapping-wing robots. By mimicking the natural movements of insects, researchers can develop robots that are more efficient, versatile, and applicable to a wide range of real-world scenarios. Future studies may explore similar passive strategies in other insect species and further enhance the capabilities of flapping microrobots for various industrial and scientific applications.
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