From Event: SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation, 2023
We will present an insect-scale aerial robot that is powered by power-dense dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). The DEAs have high power density (>500 W/kg), long life-time (>2 million cycles), and require a driving voltage of 500 V. The 680 mg robot can perform 40-second controlled hovering flight as well as acrobatic maneuvers such as somersaults in 0.16 second. It can recover from in-flight collisions and endure severe damage. These insect-like flight capabilities are absent in existing aerial robots driven by rigid actuators.
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Kevin Chen, "Agile, robust, and multifunctional micro-aerial-robots powered by soft artificial muscles," Proc. SPIE PC12482, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXV, PC1248204 (Presented at SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation: March 13, 2023; Published: 28 April 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2659413.6323741816112.