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Festo, Libelle BionicOpter, inner life1
© Festo
Four motors on the wing joints (pictured) control the amplitudes. The wing deflection varies between 80 and 130 degrees - depending on the linear displacement in the wing root. The pivoting of the wings determines the direction of thrust. The strength of the thrust can be regulated with the amplitude control. The combination of the two allows the dragonfly to fly on the spot, maneuver backwards and transition smoothly from hovering to forward flight.
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