MIT engineers create a 300-gram robot that flies and dives mimicking water birds with advanced technology

A revolutionary breakthrough in technology has erased the barriers between air drones and submarines. A team of engineers from MIT and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne has developed an innovative robot that mimics the flight and diving of birds, weighing less than 300 grams.

A 300-Gram Robot that Defies Limits

According to Science magazine, this new device stands out for its ability to move agilely both in the air and underwater. Its unique structure has allowed it to successfully pass initial tests in European artificial lakes.

The device, known as FAAV, is inspired by the biomechanics of certain aquatic birds. It replicates the movement of puffins and loons when hunting, facing the challenge of withstanding different densities, as water is 1,000 times denser than air.

Its design includes a sealed central core that houses a compact lithium battery and a waterproof-coated electric micromotor, preventing short circuits. Its flexible wings measure 80 centimeters, and its hydrophobic surfaces repel water, while its movable tail stabilizes direction.

Laboratory tests showed that the robot can swim at one meter per second and fly at 6 meters per second, with flaps of five times per second. To minimize impact when entering the water, the robot tilts its body at 70 degrees, protecting its wings from the waves.

The applications of this advancement in robotics are promising. These autonomous robots are expected to monitor hard-to-access oceanic areas, flying and diving to collect critical data. Experts continue to evaluate its behavior under adverse conditions such as wind gusts and strong currents.