Development of Flapping Aerial Robot with Movable Gravity Center

Abstract

We have developed a flapping aerial robot equipped with a mechanism of movable gravity center, aiming at controlling the air attitude. We performed a series of flight experiment to investigate how the position of the center of gravity affects air attitude of the flying robot, which was analyzed by using high-speed camera. The pitch angle is successfully controlled by changing the position of the center of gravity. It is demonstrated that a dynamic change in the center of gravity during the flight caused a sudden stop. The results suggest a possibility to realize a seamless change in the fright modes between straight and hovering frights by the movable center of gravity mechanism.