Adaptive continuous-shape-changing solar-powered microfliers enabled by a drone-mounted releasing module

Abstract

The exceptional adaptability of biological organisms to new environments is difficult to replicate in artificial robots. Although dandelion-inspired microfliers have successfully mimicked passive wind dispersal of dandelion seeds with long travel distances and certain controllable landing capacities, existing designs have yet to replicate the adaptive abscission and continuous-shape-changing mechanisms observed in species. Here we propose a programmable adaptive continuous-shape-changing solar-powered microflier enabled by a drone-mounted releasing module and actuated by the shape memory alloy actuators with a minimal total weight of 198 mg. The designed microfliers synergistically mimic the adaptive abscission and continuous-shape-changing mechanisms of dandelion seeds, enabling swarm adjustments of aerodynamics and flight performances in response to multi-environmental factors. Moreover, our microfliers demonstrate controlled interval deployments, programmable flight performances, and robust self-sustaining operations, facilitating their level of intelligence and practical applications. Dandelions exhibit adaptive abilities, continuously adjusting seed pappus shape for dispersal on demand. Haoyang Sun and colleagues propose solar-powered microfliers with shape memory alloy actuators and a drone-mount releasing module for programmable flight and robust self-sustaining operation.