Robot Mimics Diving Birds to Fly and Swim, Aiding Ocean Research
Researchers have created a flapping-wing aerial-aquatic vehicle (FAAV) that can both fly and swim, mimicking diving birds. The robot, weighing half a pound with a three-foot wingspan, was reported in Science on July 9. Designed by Raphael Zufferey of MIT and colleagues, it transitions between air and water using a tail angled at 70 degrees. Tests in a lab tank and Lake Geneva showed swimming speeds of three feet per second and flying speeds of 20 feet per second. The robot lacks feet, proving paddling is unnecessary. It aims to help oceanographers monitor habitats cheaply. The team plans to add turning ability and test it in harsh conditions.
Key facts
- Robot can fly and swim, transitioning seamlessly between air and water.
- Study published in Science on July 9, 2026.
- Lead author Raphael Zufferey is a mechanical engineer at MIT.
- FAAV weighs half a pound with a three-foot wingspan.
- Tested in Lake Geneva and a lab tank.
- Swimming speed up to three feet per second; flying speed up to 20 feet per second.
- Tail angle of 70 degrees needed for water-to-air transition.
- Robot lacks feet, showing paddling is not required.
Entities
Artists
- Raphael Zufferey
- Moritz Hüsser
- Glenna Clifton
Institutions
- MIT
- University of Portland
- Science
- New York Times
- NPR
- Associated Press
- ZME Science
Locations
- Lake Geneva
- Switzerland