Only Swagram’s flying robot can fly with the help of light. Photo: Courtesy of University of Tampere
Finland: Scientists have created a lightweight flying robot that reaches from one point to another on the surface of the air, and on the other hand takes energy from light. Accordingly, the robot has been named Fairy.
The Flying Aero Robots-Based Light-Responsive Materials Assembly (FAIRY or FAIRY) was developed by Jianfeng Yang of the University of Tampere and colleagues. It should be noted that this robot is just like a hairy seed that reaches distant areas through the air.
It features a soft actuator made of ‘liquid crystalline elastomer’ that reacts to light. The wire-like bristles of the actuators are activated upon exposure to light. Interestingly, the robot weighs only swagram which can fly long distances through the air. It can be blown by light, laser beam or LED etc.
With a slight change, its waves can change their shape and thus they can travel far in the direction of the changing wind. A beam of light or a flashlight may be enough to blow it away. In the next step, experts want to blow it with sunlight.
As far as its use is concerned, microelectronic devices or sensors can be installed on it. They may also have GPS systems. In future, they can also be tested for pollination in fields.
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