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 the workshop 'Energy-efficient flapping-wing robots' during the 21st and 22nd of September.

These sessions, held at the GRVC facilities, have brought together more than a dozen experts from Europe, America, Asia and Oceania specializing in robots and unmanned aerial vehicles with flapping wings, who have shared the results obtained by different methods and have carried out several demonstrations indoors and outdoors.

Robot demonstrations

The demonstrations consisted of maneuverability and handling tests of flapping-wing robots that simulate bird flight. During the first experiment, the prototype's ability to land on a simulated branch was demonstrated, using a robotic claw for grip, thus mimicking a bird's perch. This involved a straight-line flight with controlled altitude and speed, reducing the speed to a minimum upon landing. In the final meters, the claw was also adjusted 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 brings together the synergies and results of the research carried out in the ERC Advanced Grants initiatives GRIFFIN (General compliant aerial Robotic manipulation system Integrating Fixed and Flapping wings to increase range and safety) and Portwings

Real prototypes of flapping wings

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 the applicability and differences between real-world flapping-wing prototypes (bio-inspired robots) were also tested, differentiating them by characteristics such as size and behavior. Furthermore, various control strategies were addressed, with emphasis on the optimal combination of flapping and gliding to perform energy-efficient missions under specific wind conditions.

The workshop also included modeling, control, and testing of autonomy in maneuvers such as obstacle avoidance, landing, and perching on branch-like surfaces, with the aim of mimicking behaviors and environments similar to those found outdoors. Furthermore, the application of these methods to flapping-wing robots such as E-flap and Robird was studied, and their transferability to hardware and software was also discussed.

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.