The RoboBee, created by Harvard University researchers, has just been upgraded with precision flight technology. What does this mean? This tiny robotic insect now has precision control over its heading and lateral movement, allowing it to easily hover as well as pivot better in mid-air, just like its real-life counterpart, the bumblebee. A real world use case scenario would be exploring sensitive or dangerous areas in swarms. Read more for a video and additional information.
RoboBees are classified as flapping-wing micro-aerial vehicles (FWMAVs) as they are required to balance the upstroke as well as ownstroke speeds within a single fast-flapping cycle to generate the desired yaw torque to turn the body. This also makes achieving precision control with these flapping-winged robots very tricky.
LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set; STEM Kit for Kids and Tech Toy with Remote Control Robots; Inspiring Code and Control Edutainment Fun (949 Pieces)
- With LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor (51515), kids gain essential STEM skills as they build, code and play with remote-control model robots and intelligent creations that shoot missiles, play ball, drive around and more!
- With almost 1,000 pieces, including an intelligent Hub, 4 Medium Motors, Color Sensor and Distance Sensor with break-out interface, youngsters can also build their own fun robotic toys and share them online on LEGO Life
- An easy-to-install rechargeable battery is included, so no need to go hunting for spare batteries when the fun’s about to start
- Blast stands at over 14” (36cm) tall, while Gelo measures over 9” (24cm) long; The Powered Up components in this set are also compatible with the LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox (17101), Droid Commander (75253) and others
One particularly exciting area is in assisted agriculture, as we look ahead towards applying these vehicles in tasks such as pollination, attempting to achieve the feats of biological insects and birds,” said Rebecca McGill, a Ph.D. candidate in materials science and mechanical engineering at Harvard.
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