Design of the High-Payload Flapping Wing Robot E-Flap

Autonomous lightweight flapping-wing robots show potential to become a safe and affordable solution for rapidly deploying around humans in complex environments. The absence of propellers makes such vehicles more resistant physical contact, permitting flight cluttered environments, collaborating with humans. Importantly, the provision thousands species birds that have already mastered challenging task flapping is rich source solutions. However, small wing technology still its beginnings, limited levels autonomy interaction capability environment. One significant limitation this low payload available. Here we Eagle-inspired Flapping-wing robot E-Flap, 510 g novel design capable 100% payload, exceeding requirement computing sensing package needed fly high degree autonomy. concept extensively characterized, both tracked indoor space outdoor conditions. We demonstrate path angle up 50 $^\circ$ velocities from as 2 m/s over 6 m/s. Overall, robotic platform has been proven be reliable, having performed 100 flights. Through mechanical electronics advances, E-Flap robust vehicle prototype paves way towards becoming practical fully autonomous flying solution. Video attachment: https://youtu.be/GpAa176TMf0