The ETSI tests bio-inspired drones in the 'Energy-efficient flapping-wing robots' workshop

The GRVC Robotics Laboratory of the Higher Technical School of Engineering of the University of Seville (ETSI) , directed by Aníbal Ollero, and the Robotics and Mechatronics Group of the University of Twente have organized a workshop on September 21 and 22 ' Energy-efficient flapping-wing robots'.

In these conferences, held at the GRVC facilities, more than a dozen experts from Europe, America, Asia and Oceania specialized in robots and swing-wing unmanned aerial vehicles participated, sharing the results obtained by different methods and They have carried out several indoor and outdoor demonstrations.

Robot demonstrations

The demonstrations consisted of maneuverability and manipulation tests of flapping-wing robots that simulate the flight of birds. , the prototype's ability to perch was demonstrated , using a robotic claw to hold on, thus imitating the perching of birds. To do this, a straight line flight was carried out with height and speed control, reducing the speed to a minimum at the time of landing. In the last few meters an adjustment has also been made with the claw to 'point' towards the branch. During the second experiment , the maneuverability of these devices was demonstrated by maintaining a circular flight path for several turns in an enclosed space.

The meeting is part of the euROBIN project and collects the synergies and results of the research carried out in the ERC Advanced Grants GRIFFIN (General compliant aerial Robotic manipulation system Integrating Fixed and Flapping wings to increase range and safety) and Portwings initiatives

Real flapping wing prototypes

During the 21st and 22nd, the validation of the models was discussed using methods such as CFD, wind tunnels and motion tracking systems. Aspects such as applicability and differences between real flapping wing prototypes (bio-inspired robots) have also been tested, differentiating them by characteristics such as their size and behavior. Likewise, different control strategies have been addressed, emphasizing the optimal combination of flapping and gliding to carry out energy-efficient missions under certain wind conditions.

The workshop has also included the modeling, control and verification of autonomy in maneuvers such as obstacle avoidance, landing and perching on branches-like surfaces, with the aim of imitating behaviors and environments similar to those found when fresh air. On the other hand, the application of the methods in flapping wing robots such as E-flap and Robird has been studied, also discussing the transferability at the hardware and software level.

The GRVC Robotics Laboratory of the Higher Technical School of Engineering of the University of Seville invites those interested to register for the workshop and follow the event, whose agenda can be consulted on the EEFWR website, through social networks.