Miniature robotic fly - the housefly as a role model

The US researchers' design dispenses with heavy electric motors. "For this small scale, we had to look for an alternative," says Kevin Y. Ma of the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences laboratory. The scientists found the solution in filigree, piezoelectric modules. These convert mechanical movements into electrical currents. Conversely, they can also be set in motion by current pulses or change their shape and thus drive the wings. These piezo motors ...