Scientists have invented a robot that flies without batteries: how the strange device works

Inspired by butterfly wings, a group of German researchers has developed a new type of robotic wings that are driven by magnetic fields.

The device, created by researchers from the Technical University of Darmstadt and the Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf, does not require batteries or electronics. Interesting Engineering writes about this.

The scientists used a combination of flexible plastic and tiny magnetic particles to create the robotic wings. They are made from a composite of thermoplastic polyurethane and micron-sized magnetic powder and were created using 3D printing using Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) technology.

The team found that the embedded magnetic particles, when exposed to external magnetic fields, caused the wings to bend in a similar way to butterflies. The scientists also found that larger wings with vein-like patterns were more adaptable and easier to bend.

These robotic wings could have a wide range of applications. One of them could be environmental research, in which winged robots monitor pollinator populations or measure air quality. They could also be useful during natural disasters, as their small, energy-efficient design allows the robots to navigate dangerous areas for search-and-rescue operations. The team also noted that the new design could also be easily adapted for the medical field.

Developing small, lightweight robots with precise, controlled movements could prove invaluable in invasive surgery, especially when working with or near delicate tissues. What's more, the principle of using magnetic particles in this way could also open the door to developing new types of artificial muscles or other innovative materials that can change shape on demand.

While the robotic wings currently rely on external magnetic fields to change shape, the team is optimistic about integrating magnetic field generators into future iterations of the technology.