Insect vibrations inspire science
Among flying species observed in nature, insects certainly have the most impressive aerial capabilities in terms of hovering or acceleration, and remain unrivalled on these scales in terms of weight, size and energy efficiency. While understanding their flight mechanisms has long been elusive, we now know that the key to such performance lies mainly in the specific movements obtained thanks to their flexible wings, as well as the unsteady aerodynamic forces generated. A bio-inspired approach therefore appears to be a promising way of designing flying nano-robots.
The aim of the project entitled “nano-robot based on vibrating wing control” (NANOFLY) falls into this category, since it involves creating an insect-sized object, powered by electrical wires, capable of taking off and hovering.