These cute little electronic “microfliers” developed by scientists at the University of Washington could be the stuff of nightmares – if they weren’t so damn cute. These postage stamp-sized origami micros are equipped with all the latest features, including a programmable microcontroller, a Bluetooth radio, a solar power-harvesting circuit, a pressure sensor for altitude estimation, and a temperature sensor. When dropped from a high-altitude object, these microfliers rely on the wind to disperse. The wind catches the fully open origami base and moves them like falling leaves. The design was actually inspired by studying the flight of leaves in the air. The microfliers utilize an origami folding pattern, similar to that of tree leaves, to change their movement through the air.
When it’s time for the microfliers to drop straight down, the operators can send a signal via Bluetooth or use an onboard timer or altitude sensor. The micros then use their Miura-ori origami fold, a specific type of origami folding pattern, to snap into a smaller size, enabling them to plunge downward. “We combine the Miura-ori fold, inspired by geometric patterns found in leaves, with power harvesting and tiny actuators to mimic the flight of different leaf types in mid-air,” explained Vikram Iyer, assistant professor at the University of Washington. “In its unfolded flat state, our origami structure tumbles chaotically in the wind, similar to an elm leaf. But switching to the folded state changes the airflow around it and enables a stable descent, similar to how a maple leaf falls,” Iyer added. This highly energy-efficient method allows for battery-free control over the microflier’s descent, which was not possible before.
These solar-powered microfliers, about the size of a postage stamp and weighing less than a small nail, can travel the length of a football field on their own when dropped from a height of 40 meters in a light breeze. Depending on their use, the microfliers can collect environmental data such as temperature and humidity or be utilized for surveillance purposes. “Using origami opens up a new design space for microfliers,” said Iyer.
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