BATMAV: a 2-DOF bio-inspired flapping flight platform

Abstract

Due to the availability of small sensors, Micro-Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) can be used for detection missions of biological, chemical and nuclear agents. Traditionally these devices used fixed or rotary wings, actuated with electric DC motortransmission, a system which brings the disadvantage of a heavier platform. The overall objective of the BATMAV project is to develop a biologically inspired bat-like MAV with flexible and foldable wings for flapping flight. This paper presents a flight platform that features bat-inspired wings which are able to actively fold their elbow joints. A previous analysis of the flight physics for small birds, bats and large insects, revealed that the mammalian flight anatomy represents a suitable flight platform that can be actuated efficiently using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) artificial-muscles. A previous study of the flight styles in bats based on the data collected by Norberg [1] helped to identify the required joint angles as relevant degrees of freedom for wing actuation. Using the engineering theory of robotic manipulators, engineering kinematic models of wings with 2 and 3-DOFs were designed to mimic the wing trajectories of the natural flier Plecotus auritus. Solid models of the bat-like skeleton were designed based on the linear and angular dimensions resulted from the kinematic models. This structure of the flight platform was fabricated using rapid prototyping technologies and assembled to form a desktop prototype with 2-DOFs wings. Preliminary flapping test showed suitable trajectories for wrist and wingtip that mimic the flapping cycle of the natural flyer.

Ecosystem services provided by bats

“…Bats also commonly appear as symbols or logos in popular movies (e.g., Batman ), products (e.g., Bacardi rum), and holidays (e.g., Halloween), all major revenue‐generating endeavors 205 . Finally, the study of bat echolocation and locomotion has provided inspiration for novel technological advances in such fields as sonar systems, biomedical ultrasound, sensors for autonomous systems, wireless communication, and BATMAVs (bat‐like motorized aerial vehicles) 206,207 . Although extremely difficult to quantify, it is important to recognize the extraordinary value of bats to ancient and contemporary traditions and science.…”

Biomimetic detection of dynamic signatures in foliage echoes

“…It is due to this biological success that bats are a major source of inspiration for engineers in many interest areas. Engineers have mimicked bats' flight dynamics to develop flapping-wing robots for autonomous mission applications such as in the detection of chemicals [11]. Bats have also inspired material scientists' efforts towards developing materials that can replicate the compliance of bat skin on their wings, which enables their flight by allowing for significant deformation with little strain [12].…”

Ecological and Economic Importance of Bats (Order Chiroptera)

“…Although extremely difficult to quantify, it is important to recognize the extraordinary value of bats to ancient and contemporary traditions and science. The current study of bat echolocation and locomotion has provided inspiration for novel technological advances in biomedical ultrasound, sensors for autonomous systems, and wireless communication and BATMAVs (bat-like motorized aerial vehicles) [65,66].…”

“…The anticlotting chemicals in the saliva of bats are also currently being investigated as potential anticoagulant for people who are at high risk of blood clots and strokes. In addition, the development of sonar for ships and ultrasound was partly inspired from echolocation that bats use as navigation system to find and follow their prey at night without crashing on trees, buildings, or other obstructions [65,66].…”