The Micro Flying Robot (µFR) is the world’s smallest and lightest robot helicopter prototype, which was developed by Epson and demonstrated at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo in November 2003.[1] The purpose of its development was to demonstrate its micro-mechatronics technology and to explore the possible use of micro robots and the development of component technology applications.

Features and capabilities

The µFR is levitated by contra-rotating propellers powered by four 7x2x1-mm ultrasonic motors (originally developed for wristwatches) and is balanced in mid-air by means of a stabilizing mechanism that uses a linear actuator. Though the µFR is radio-controlled, it relies on power from an external battery via a power cable and thus its flying range is limited. The µFR includes two microprocessors, a bluetooth module, a gyro-sensor, an accelerometer and an image sensor.

Development of µFR-II

The µFR-II is the enhanced version of the µFR. It was developed in 2004 for full wireless operation paired with independent flight capability. The main challenge was the need to combine lighter weight with greater dynamic lift. Epson made the robot lighter by developing a new gyro-sensor[2] that is one-fifth the weight of its predecessor. Dynamic lift was boosted 30% by the introduction of more powerful ultra-thin ultrasonic motors and newly designed, optimally shaped main rotors.[3] The µFR-II includes two 32-bit RISC microcontrollers, an on-board lithium polymer battery, as well as an image sensor that can capture and transmit images via Bluetooth wireless connection. At the moment it has a flight time of just 3 minutes.

Specifications

µFR µFR-II
Power 3.5 V 4.2 V
Power Consumption 3 W 3.5 W
Diameter 130 mm 136 mm
Height 70 mm 85 mm
Weight 8.9 g 12.3 g
Levitation Power 13 g/f 17 g/f

Possible applications

  • Security and surveillance
  • Disaster rescue
  • Space exploration[4][5]

References

  1. ↑ "Epson Develops World's Smallest Flying Microrobot". Epson. 17 November 2003. Archived from the original on 7 February 2004. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  2. ↑ "Epson Develops World's Smallest Gyro-Sensor". Epson. 2 August 2004. Archived from the original on 22 August 2004. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  3. ↑ "World's Lightest Micro-Flying Robot Built by Epson". phys.org. 19 August 2004. Archived from the original on 17 January 2007. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  4. ↑ Kageyama, Yuri (19 August 2004). "Seiko Epson Develops Micro Flying Robot". space.com. Archived from the original on 24 November 2006. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  5. ↑ Bardina, J.; Thirumalainambi, R. (2005). "Micro-Flying Robotics in Space Missions". SAE Transactions. SAE Technical Paper Series. 1. doi:10.4271/2005-01-3405. S2CID 17568834.
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