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Bio-inspired flapping wing robots with foldable or deformable wings: a review.
Jun Zhang1, Ning Zhao1, Feiyang Qu1
1The State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Instrument Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, People's Republic of China.
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
|November 1, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed foldable or deformable wings (FDWs) for flapping-wing robots (FWRs), inspired by flying creatures. These FDWs enhance maneuverability and efficiency, but further research is needed for optimal design.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Bio-inspired Engineering
- Aerodynamics
Background:
- Traditional flapping-wing robots (FWRs) lack active wing control, unlike agile flying creatures.
- Bio-inspired foldable or deformable wings (FDWs) mimic natural wing folding and deformation for enhanced flight capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in FDWs for FWRs.
- To analyze creature wing mechanisms and their application in robotic design.
- To identify current limitations and propose future research directions for FDWs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of biological wing folding and deformation mechanisms in birds, bats, and insects.
- Review of recent research on FDWs implemented in flapping-wing robots.
- Synthesis of findings to identify limitations and future research avenues.
Main Results:
- FDWs significantly improve FWRs' flexibility, maneuverability, and efficiency.
- Foldable wings offer greater profile changes than deformable wings.
- Current FDW designs require further study for optimal performance.
Conclusions:
- FDWs are crucial for advancing FWR capabilities, enabling safer maneuvering in complex environments.
- Further research into FDW design is essential to overcome existing limitations.
- This review provides a foundation for developing next-generation FWRs with superior agility.
