Innovative ‘Jellyfish’ aircraft hovers in the air

The ‘Jellyfish’ aircraft has been created as the first lightweight, manmade object that can hover in the air and generate movements of undulation, just like those swimming creatures of jelly. 

For years, the jellyfish has been loathed by engineers for its effective path of movement that has progressed over millions of years. Another curious trait of a jellyfish is that it contains a basic nervous system, requiring a simple muscle with no brain power.

Moving gelatinously like a jellyfish means that there is a bell-like kilt that opens and closes to induce motion. For aircrafts to reproduce this form of motion, four petal-shaped wings must be installed measuring four inches in length. When the aircraft is folded closed, it looks like an upside down cone. A small motor is attached to a crankshaft. This causes the wings to push outwards and downwards at 20 times per second. Air is then forced through the bottom of the cone.

Project contributor, Leif Ristroph, stated that “we were interested first of all in making a robotic insect that would be an alternative to the helicopter” in regards to working alongside Stephen Childress at New York University's Applied Math Lab.

With this technology, an ‘jellyfish’ ornithopter was created that stably hovers without constant guidance or energy-draining flight pattern corrections. If the ornithopter gets knocked down, it steadies itself by moving back to its upright position. It can also intuitively change direction.

The ‘Jellyfish’ was made from durable and affordable components. The light carbon-fiber ribs were used to hold the motor and provide structure for the wings’ frames. These wings were then covered with clear Mylar film, purchasable at any standard modeling retailer.

The ornithopter is a “proof-of-concept” project, testing an idea that worked. New York University is attempting to patent this technology. The next step for the researchers is to add a battery that will consist of a tiny electrical wire and remote control.

Once energy efficiency and maneuverability is mastered with this craft, perhaps we will see jellyfish-like aircrafts floating about the sky. Will these ornithopters be valuable forms of transportation in the future?  

Story via Phys.org