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A Lightweight Bioinspired SMA-Based Grasping Mechanism for Flapping Wing MAVs
Ahmad Hammad1, Mehmet Süer1, Sophie F Armanini1,2
1Chair of eAviation, Department of Aerospace and Geodesy, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 25, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel bioinspired gripper for flapping wing micro aerial vehicles (FWMAVs). This lightweight, compliant mechanism uses shape memory alloys (SMAs) for efficient perching and grasping.
Area of Science:
- Robotics and Bio-inspired Engineering
- Micro Aerial Vehicle Technology
Background:
- Flapping wing micro aerial vehicles (FWMAVs) require advanced landing and takeoff mechanisms.
- Existing actuators often lack the necessary miniaturization and power-to-weight ratio for FWMAVs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, bioinspired perching gripper for FWMAVs.
- To enhance the landing, takeoff, and manipulation capabilities of FWMAVs.
Main Methods:
- Designed a lightweight gripper inspired by the human hand.
- Integrated a compliant claw structure actuated by shape memory alloy (SMA) springs.
- Optimized phalange lengths and selected SMAs for reliable performance.
Main Results:
- The 50 g gripper demonstrated fast actuation via electrical impulses.
- Achieved a grasping force of approximately 16 N for holding various objects.
- Successfully performed perching, grasping, and carrying tasks.
Conclusions:
- The SMA-actuated gripper offers a simpler, highly integrated, and miniaturized solution.
- Enhanced adaptability and high power-to-weight ratio make it ideal for FWMAVs.
- This mechanism significantly improves FWMAV operational capabilities.
