Automated mimic motion of a hovering hummingbird

Abstract

Small, colorful hummingbird can hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern. Research and development done on these species has been increasing. To realize Nano air vehicle (NAV) functions, many have looked towards the nature for inspiration, for example: insects and birds. In nature, all biological fliers use flapping wings to achieve flight. As science and technology of mankind has improved, nature has also refined these organisms to have extremely efficient flight mechanisms. This report describes the process of designing a wing mechanism to mimic the hovering humming birds. This report consists of the morphology of flying birds, which was studied to better understand how the flight mechanisms should be designed. Focus has been done to the humming bird’s anatomical features especially the wings and thorax. The bone and muscle system of flying birds was also studied to translate this muscle structure into a mechanical system. The studies on the bone structure provide the basis for designing the initial plans of the flapping wing mechanism. The prototype of the mechanism has gone through a series of revisions as the project progressed, which have also been documented and explained herein. A prototype was fabricated that featured a flapping wing mechanism capable of producing the movement of the hummingbird’s thorax as well as active twisting motion. Although it only features the wing mechanism, the prototype can serve as the basis for fully functional Nano air vehicle in future development.