Flying robot simulates the movements of a jellyfish

So a good flying robot needs to simulate some flying creature, right? Not even. Proof of this is the beautiful creation of the video above. Created by a group of students from New York University, the automaton carries a grace similar to that of jellyfish.

And the simplicity of the design impresses as much as its air performance. These are just four wings working in “unison” to control the ascent and lateral directions of the device. In fact, the device propels itself in much the same way as the animal - although it "expels" air from inside instead of water, of course.

The structure also requires a minimum of power to move around - so some practical applications should not be slow to appear. The team in charge expects to add sensors and other recognition devices soon. A replacement for the weather balloon, perhaps? The advantage would be obvious: it would be reusable.

Via Tecmundo