Abstract
The purpose of the research is to develop flapping robots using piezoelectric fiber composites. By using the composites, actuating fibers and sensing fibers can be embedded into a wing as part of the structure and it makes flapping robots with compact and light structure. A prototype of flapping robot with flapping and feathering motions has been developed. The design and driving method of the robot as well as experimental results about thrust and lift are shown in this paper.