The Researchers from the world famous Harvard University has been able to build up a Tiny Insect Robotic Fly which is able to mimic flying actions of a natural Bee. The reports from reputed news channels describe that the model was initially developed to study the nature of insects, not with the intention to build a robotic fly. The robot is built from the ultra light material which makes it enable to mimic insects in flying. Researchers believe that it can be very useful in rescue operation due to its ability to go through tiny spaces of collapsed buildings.
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According to the reports of Reputed Science Generals, Dr. Kevin Ma & Dr. Robert Wood have been leading the team of researchers to develop this Robotic Fly. The precise wing movement has been the result of perfect adjustment in Lift & Thrust of robot’s body. This enables it to hover over a place, fly at very fast speed and make sudden movements just like an insect. Researchers described that it makes the Wing Movements as many times as that in normal insect, that is, 120 times a second.
In the demonstration, the Researchers explained they have used revolutionary Piezoelectric Material which contracts & expands when there are fluctuations in voltages. By altering voltages rapidly, scientists have been able to mimic natural wing movement of flies. The material behaves in the same manner as muscle of a real insect. “We get it contract & relax, like a real Biological Muscle”, said Dr. Ma, “It is able to mimic natural movements of wings, with same Frequency”. The body of insects is made up of carbon fibers which makes it as light weight as less than a fraction of a grain.
The science of flying at such a tiny level was not fully understood. The model was initially developed with the aim to study Insect’s Flying Mechanism deeply. The robotic model of fly is able to fly stably with the help of light weight connecting wires. The model is too small to fit the tiny battery in it. However, researchers believe they would develop micro – battery to power it & make it fully wireless. “Our next step is to miniaturize other parts, producing completely wireless Robo Fly.”, said Dr Ma. “It might take a year or two to develop fully wireless flying robotic fly,”, he said. “Till then, we are on the way to study flying nature of insects. It will show how far the engineering has reached in mimicking natural systems.”.
Dr. John, professor of Biology from University of Washington, said these robots are a milestone in engineering. They would help to know more about flying nature of insects. The physics at such a tiny level is poorly understood. This would help to peep deeper inside the flying techniques of insects.
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In future, it is expected that these robots will help rescue team as they can pass through tiny fractions of buildings & houses. Also, they can be used to analyze environmental conditions. Robots fly can be used to monitor activities as well.
