Wing flapping ornithopter drones could potentially be more agile and energy-efficient than their fixed-wing counterparts, but most still can’t get around in one place. The new model overcomes this limitation by using a claw mechanism to perch temporarily like a bird.

The autonomous ornithopter prototype, called P-Flap (Perching Flapping-Wing Robot), has a wingspan of 1.5 m (59 inches) and weighs only 700 grams (25 ounces). It was developed by Raphael Zuffri, a PhD student at the Swiss research institute EPFL.

He created and tested the device in collaboration with colleagues from Spain’s University of Seville as part of the European Union’s GRIFFIN project. GRIFFIN stands for “a universally compatible aerial robotic manipulation system that combines fixed and swinging wings to increase range and safety.”

For gripping targets like branches or pipes, the P-Flap features a single spring-loaded carbon fiber mechanical claw. This device is bi-state, meaning it does not require power to stay both on and off. It is connected to the bottom of the drone with a servo-assisted leg that can move according to the need.

As the P-Flap approaches the horizontal bar in the current indoor test setup, it is controlled by data transmitted wirelessly from an external motion capture system. This data lets the drone know its position relative to the boom, so the onboard flight control system can adjust pitch, roll and altitude to hit the target.

When its claw reaches 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the bar, a line-of-sight sensor at the base of the claw activates a leg servo for precise positioning, providing more accurate position data. When the two lugs on the exposed interior of the claw then hit the target, the pressure causes the claws to automatically close around the bar in just 25 milliseconds, keeping the P-Wing firmly in place.

When it’s time to leave the perch and continue flying, a motorized screw mechanism in the claw shaft opens it again. The fin approaches its target 2 m (6.6 ft) above the ground.

In the real world, a drone can perform activities such as observing objects on the ground, collecting biological samples from trees, or charging a battery using integrated solar panels. With all that said, more needs to be done in the meantime.

“For now, flight experiments are being done indoors because we need a controlled flight field with precise localization from the motion capture system,” said Zuffri. “In the future, we want to increase the robot’s autonomy to perform sit-and-manipulate outdoors tasks in more unpredictable environments.”