Teams of researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) have developed low-cost, sustainable bio-gliders for collecting environmental data. The glider contains sensor technology and turns to dust after use. According to a press release, the ultralight robots weighing 1.5 grams enable “energy-efficient, close-meshed, and autonomous” use in areas that are difficult to access in particular.
The Javan cucumber (Alsomitra macrocarpa) served as the researchers’ inspiration. The Asian vine can distribute its seeds for meters using transparent wings. The researchers have recreated this property in the sensor technology. Instead of seeds, a sensor inside the artificial aid records environmental data. With a wingspan of 14 cm, it is the same size as its precursor.
Two labs at Empa were involved in developing the bio-glider. The Sustainability Robotics Lab plans to use it to monitor the condition and ecological balance of the forest floor. A team from the Cellulose & Wood Materials Lab created a polymer film that reacts to humidity to protect the sensor and only be activated when needed.
The raw materials for the glider comprised potato starch, wood waste, and a dyer’s lichen. Like edible paper, the biologically inspired robots can be printed and pressed into the shape of the Javan cucumber seed. Another aim is to measure the environmental impact of climate change and repair buildings using completely biodegradable sensor drones. heg
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