Aalborg University Students Create Seamless Air-Water Hybrid Drone
Students at Aalborg University in Denmark have created a remarkable drone that can seamlessly transition from flying in the air to swimming in water. This innovative air-water hybrid drone, developed for a bachelor's thesis, is not the first of its kind but stands out with its unique features and potential real-world applications.
The drone, currently a single prototype, was designed, built, and tested over two semesters by a team of applied industrial electronics students. They drew inspiration from nature, particularly the shock-absorbing structure of a woodpecker's skull, to create a drone that can endure collisions. Unlike previous prototypes from Rutgers University and Chinese scientists, this drone can dive underwater, move around, and then fly out of the water again, all thanks to its variable pitch propellers that provide negative thrust for increased maneuverability underwater.
The drone's potential real-world applications are vast, ranging from emergency response and vessel inspections to marine exploration and search and rescue. While not the first air-water hybrid drone, this prototype from Aalborg University showcases the potential of such technology and paves the way for further development and applications.
The drone, developed by students at Aalborg University, is a testament to innovative engineering and bioinspiration. With its ability to transition seamlessly between air and water, it opens up new possibilities for various industries. As a single prototype, it lays the groundwork for future developments that could revolutionize underwater and aerial exploration.
