The Hopcopter
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new hybrid robot dubbed a “Hopcopter,” which combines aerial and terrestrial mobility.
This innovative device integrates a quadcopter with a spring-loaded telescopic leg, enabling it to hop and fly with exceptional agility and efficiency. The findings of the team, led by Dr Pakpong Chirarattananon and with Dr Bai Songnan as co-first author, have been published in the journal Science Robotics.
Many small birds, such as robins and sparrows, combine jumping and flying to move efficiently, but replicating this natural efficiency in robots is challenging due to the complexity and limitations of traditional jumping mechanisms.
The development of the Hopcopter addresses the limitations of conventional robots that typically rely on either aerial or ground movement. The hybrid approach not only enhances mobility but also improves energy efficiency, as the robot can switch between flying and hopping modes depending on the task at hand.
The Hopcopter’s design allows it to navigate complex environments that are challenging for traditional robots. By combining the capabilities of both flying and hopping, it can overcome obstacles with ease, making it potentially suitable for a range of applications, from search and rescue missions to environmental monitoring.
You can see the Hopcopter in action in the video prepared by the research team here.