Mimicking the complexities of bat flight with a bio-inspired robotic bat

Hoff, Jonathan

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/99702 Copy

Description

Title

Mimicking the complexities of bat flight with a bio-inspired robotic bat

Author(s)

Hoff, Jonathan

Contributor(s)

• Ramezani, Alireza
• Syed, Usman
• Chung, Soon-Jo
• Hutchinson, Seth

Issue Date

2018-04

Keyword(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Abstract

This image displays the bio-inspired robotic Bat Bot (B2), a state-of-the-art flying machine that mimics the flight capabilities of bats. Its flexible silicone membrane is comparable to the membrane that is spread over a bat’s wings. The fuselage is constructed with carbon fiber plates, and its wings consist of carbon fiber tubes and custom 3D-printed parts. Like a bat, B2 can flap its wings, fold and unfold them, and move its legs to stabilize itself in flight and control its flight path. To further mimic a biological bat more closely, I have designed a mechanism that couples folding and unfolding of the wings to the flapping motion. This new mechanism is located on each side of the fuselage of the robot. Not only does B2 now fly more like a biological bat, it also has improved flight performance by producing more lift.

Type of Resource

• text
• image

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/99702

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2018 Jonathan Hoff

Owning Collections