The drive uses a method known as electromechanical zipping that does away with the need for conventional motors and gears.
The researchers believe it could pave the way for smaller, lighter and more effective micro-flying robots for environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and deployment in hazardous environments.
Typical micro-flying robots use motors, gears and other complex transmission systems to achieve the up-and-down motion of the wings which adds complexity, weight and potentially undesired dynamic effects.
Taking inspiration from bees and other flying insects, the researchers demonstrated a direct-drive artificial muscle system, called the 'Liquid-amplified Zipping Actuator' (LAZA), which achieves wing motion using no rotating parts or gears.
Image credit: Dr Tim Helps.
...