Aviation and marine technology students craft a unique 'combined aerial and submarine drone', displaying its flight capabilities followed by an impressive dive beneath the water's surface.
## Aalborg University Students Unveil Seamless Hybrid Drone Transitioning Between Air and Water
A team of four students at Aalborg University in Denmark, Andrei Copaci, Pawel Kowalczyk, Krzysztof Sierocki, and Mikolaj Dzwigalo, have made a remarkable breakthrough in the field of robotics with their hybrid drone. The innovative drone, developed as part of their bachelor's thesis, can transition seamlessly from flying in the air to swimming in water[1][2][3].
### Adapting to Different Environments
The drone's unique feature is the use of **variable pitch propellers**. These propellers can adjust their blade angles to optimize performance in both air and water, allowing the drone to operate efficiently in both mediums[1][2]. In the air, the angle of the propellers is higher to create more airflow, while in the water, it is lowered to minimize drag and increase efficiency[1].
### Previous Attempts and Future Implications
This isn't the first time air-water hybrid drones have been developed. In 2015, researchers at Rutgers University showcased an early prototype, marking one of the first attempts in this field[1][2]. More recently, in 2023, Chinese scientists presented another prototype, further demonstrating the feasibility of air-to-water transitions in drones[2].
The development of such hybrid drones has significant implications for various industries and applications. In emergency situations, these drones could quickly reach areas inaccessible by traditional means, such as search and rescue operations. They could also offer a versatile platform for reconnaissance and surveillance in military operations. For marine exploration, they would enhance underwater exploration capabilities without the need for separate underwater vehicles. In vessel inspections, they would allow for efficient inspection of vessels above and below the waterline[2][3].
### A Smooth Transition
The students were surprised by how smoothly the drone transitions from water to air. They shared a video of the drone in action, showing it transitioning from air to water multiple times[2]. The new drone's potential real-world applications are vast, from search and rescue missions to military operations and marine exploration.
The students built the hybrid drone using a 3D printer and a computer numerical control machine[1]. This development marks a significant advancement in robotics, paving the way for future innovations in hybrid drone technology.
- The team's hybrid drone, a remarkable feat in robotics, seamlessly changes its performance when moving from air to water, leveraging the power of variable pitch propellers, a testament to the convergence of gadgets and technology.
- The potential applications of this hybrid drone technology are vast, ranging from emergency response and surveillance to marine exploration and vessel inspections, highlighting the impact of technology on shaping future solutions.
