A drones They were not designed to simulate animal behavior. Their movements are angular, its structure is rigid, and its functions are limited. Most hardly manage to overcome complex spaces, adapt to irregular environments or manipulate objects that come out of the standard form. Instead animals For millions of years, they have improved the ability to move dexterity, overcome obstacles and interact with the environment without depending on hard tools.
This contrast advanced Researchers from around the world to observe great attention how the body works some animals. One of the most inspired by aerial photography is elephantWhose barrel combines strength, elasticity and almost surgical control, even in the most unfavorable conditions. This observation led to one of the most innovative proposals at the University of Hong Kong: Robotized hand for drones, which works like an air barrelField
A robotic hand inspired by the elephant trunk becomes great novelty
The device, crossed like Ivory trunk (aet)It includes a soft, flexible and segmented hand, which allows drones to perform complex tasks in full flight. The system weighs only 1.8 kilograms and combines a lever with three selection with a net of a grid that supports stability, while the hand bends, rises, or curves surround objects of different sizes. Research group led by the teacher Peng LouAet is designed with soft materials and an engine external to the hand that reduces its inertia and facilitates control During maneuvers in demanding environments.
Before traditional robotic hands that depend on the hard joints and tweezers to hold objects, Aet uses Continuous and articulated structure This allows you to hug the object using the whole body of the hand. Thanks to this configuration, you can manipulate thin, heavy or irregular objects This would be out of reach of current drones. In an article published Natural connectionThe team explains that “our system can adapt to various limited environments, such as narrow holes, tubes or cracks, and manipulate various objects.”
Technical tests are included Complex trajectories How to write letters in the air, go through the rings suspendedYourself maneuver in test tubes L, C or SThe field also demonstrated its ability Rubbing on pillars, bottles or banks There is no need for a tweezer using only a flexible body of the hand.
For each action, the system calculated in real time the trajectory, tension tension and the general balance of drone. The hand itself turns on Inertial sensors At the ends that allow you to regulate its shape instantly depending on the position and obstacles of the environment.
Those who are responsible for the project emphasize that the promotion key is not only in the form of a hand, but also in Complete integration between flight control and manipulative movementThe field of each maneuver is performed with real data using a state assessment system that combines information from LIDAR, a unit of inertial measurement and engines that work ARM tendons. With this approach, Aet reaches Maintain balance in full flight when performing complex movementswithout the need for direct human intervention.
The potential use of ARM varies from salvation to agriculture in complex land
After this initial stage ended, the team conducted more demanding experiments that simulated practical situations of manipulation. One of them consisted of Take hidden objects behind the obstacleS, like a box with small holes. In this environment, where hard hands cannot maneuver without a collision, Aet managed to introduce his hand, evade the edge and accurately surround the object.
Another essay was required manipulate elements hanging between structures without direct contactSomething that decided to complete them from the impossible corners for the traditional hand. In all cases, the system has reached adapt to conditions with soft and controlled movementsField
AET was also tested in Emergency simulated mediaSuch as narrow or destroyed areas where you need to intervene without risk to people. The research group notes that “AET is extremely flexible compared to other air manipulators, since it can change the form and perceive various objects using its own body.” This ability Expand the functions These drones can be carried out in industrial inspections, salvation after disasters, maintaining infrastructure or agricultural access tasks.
After a successful check of the system, researchers are now working on Increase your sensitivity and controlIn order to encounter even more delicate tasks in unpredictable conditions. They also plan to rise to use to coordinated fleetswhich can work together in complex missions without constant intervention. The idea is that these drones leave observers for Active agents in air manipulationField
