BionicOpter

Year

2013

The idea

This ultralight flying object can fly in any spatial direction like a natural dragonfly.

The objective

The robotic dragonfly, which is operated by smartphone, can perform more flight manoeuvres than a helicopter, a motorised aircraft and a glider combined.

Technical data

Wingspan: 63 cm
Body length: 44 cm
Weight: 175 g
Degrees of freedom: 13
Flapping frequency: 15-20 Hz

Operating principle

The complex flight manoeuvres are made possible with maximum energy efficiency, thanks to lightweight design and functional integration in keeping with the principle of adaptation. The communication, control and regulation elements are installed within a very small space and are coordinated with each other.

Structure

The ribcage houses nine servo motors, a microcontroller, sensors, radio modules and a battery. The wings consist of a carbon-fibre frame covered by a thin foil. The head and tail each contain two electric muscles – actuators that contract when heated.

Drive

The flapping frequency of all four wings is controlled by a servomotor. Each wing also has two further motors at the joints – one for rotation and one for amplitude.

Real-time diagnosis

During flight, a software program constantly records all sensor data, evaluates it in real time and thereby detects complex events and critical conditions.

Material

BionicOpter