Emanuela Savastano

This letter proposes a novel bio-inspired wing design to improve some characteristics of Flapping Wing Unmanned Vehicles (FWUV) related to their potential applications such as payload capability, maneuverability, low injury risk, and energy improvement. The suggested solution takes advantage of a broadly based avian research, focusing on the integration of advanced bird-like features ranging from bird-like high-compliant airfoil to active morphing strategies to mimic the ways birds naturally manage flights. The proposed conceptual design is supported by Unsteady Vortex Latex Method simulations provided by a novel flapping-oriented open-source solver. Prototype validation relies on both test-bench and real-flights results. A motion capture system is used to validate the wing aero-elastic characteristics. The resulted improvements are highlighted by a comprehensive comparison with different similar-size prototypes.

The aim of this work is to present the development of a bio-inspired approach for a robotic tail using Macro Fiber Composites (MFC) as actuators. The use of this technology will allow achieving closer to the nature approach of the tail, aiming to mimic a bird tail behavior. The tail will change its shape, performing morphing, providing a new type of actuation methodology in flapping control systems. The work is intended as a first step for demonstrating the potential of these technologies for being applied in other parts of the aerials robotics systems. When compared with traditional actuation approaches, one key advantage that is given by the use of MFC is their ability to adapt to different flight conditions via geometric tailoring, imitating what birds do in nature. Theoretical explanations, design, and experimental validation of the developed concept using different methodologies will be presented in this paper.