Georgia Tech inventors have created aquad-wing flapping MAV utilizing various new design features to address issues in existing designs and limitations to commercialization. The key feature is four separate wings with independent wing control making both the design and the controls simple compared to current designs. Each wing is independently controlled by a single actuator, the component responsible for controlling motion; the ability to independently move each wing allows for movements which surpass all previous designs. Another key feature is the scheme of various software elements integrated in the hardware. These allow for micro-imaging sensors to capture aerial images as well as for a highly sophisticated autopilot mechanism.
- Higher energy and endurance resulting in extended flight-times and payload capacities
- Higher agility compared to previous models
- Unique control system
This technology has potential in security and defense in many aspects including air-deployable surveillance, reconnaissance system and search and rescue support, border patrol, forest fire early detection, among others. Additionally, a simpler version of the technology could be applied to urban and personal security and surveillance as well as civilian law-enforcement.
Micro aerial vehicles (MAV), are small unmanned air vehicles that can be autonomous. There are three predominate MAV designs which are all limited in some way, either by movement, flight times, or durability. In addition to limitations in flight capabilities current MAV designs have difficulty being integrated into large systems, allowing for information to be transferred from the MAV to a database. Thus, there is a need for a more efficient flying design as well as an integrated software system that allows for information to be easily and quickly transmitted.