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INNOVATIVE UAV DESIGN BY RESEARCHERS
Researchers at the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) have developed a unique unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can land by crashing into trees or poles and using its wings to prevent a fall.
Named the PercHug, this UAV is inspired by the behavior of bats and owls, which use their wings to climb and perch onto trees. The PercHug’s dual-purpose hinged wings can switch between rigid and flexible modes, allowing it to both fly and grasp onto structures.
In a study published in the journal Nature, it was revealed that the PercHug features an "upturned nose design" that helps it reorient itself vertically after a crash. The impact of the crash triggers the spring-loaded wings to wrap around the structure, keeping the UAV perched securely.
Despite the addition of fishing hooks to improve grip, the PercHug only successfully remained attached to a tree or pole 73 percent of the time during tests. This success rate will need to increase before the UAV can carry expensive equipment like sensors or cameras.
The unique landing approach of the PercHug eliminates the need for additional landing mechanisms, making the UAV lighter and potentially increasing its payload capacity and range. Researchers are also looking to enhance the UAV’s capabilities with avionics and control surfaces for autonomous flight and reperching.
With further development, the PercHug could revolutionize surveillance and inspection operations in challenging environments. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking UAV technology!
(Cite: Nature Journal)
