A novel insect-inspired flying robot, developed by TU Delft researchers from the Micro Air Vehicle Laboratory (MAVLab), is presented in Science. Experiments with this first autonomous, free-flying and agile flapping-wing robot – carried out in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research – improved our understanding of how fruit flies control aggressive escape maneuvers. Apart from its further potential in insect flight research, the robot’s exceptional flight qualities open up new drone applications. (1)

We believe that mimicking insects is easier than mimicking humans.

But it’s quite the opposite.

It takes a lot to mimic something which does nothing.

For especially because of that, it does everything…

Look beyond the thunders in the storm.

It is the calmness before it which is the source of its strength.

Look beyond the fragility of the butterfly.

It is because of that that its existence is so substantial.

Look beyond the chattering arrogance of humans.

It is only because he talks too much that he can’t listen to anything…

Look beyond that robot which does everything.

It is because of that that it cannot accept that it just Is…