Development of a Flying Robot with Pantograph-based Variable Wing Mechanism

Abstract

We develop a flying robot with a new pantograph-based variable wing mechanism for horizontal-axis rotorcrafts (cyclogyro rotorcrafts). A key feature of the new mechanism is a unique trajectory of variable wings that not only change angles of attack but also expand and contract according to wing positions. Experimental results show that the developed flying robot can generate 144% lift force for its own weight (equivalently 100 gf payload). Furthermore, as a result of optimizing design parameters of the robot through computer simulation, we arrive at the optimal design parameters with 200 gf payload. Both simulation and experimental results show the utility of the developed flying robot with the new mechanism.