# MIT and EPFL Engineers Develop Aerial-Aquatic Flapping-Wing Robot A new biomimetic drone transitions seamlessly between flight and underwater exploration for scientific research. - **Source:** [MIT Technology Review](https://www.technologyreview.com) - **Published:** 2026-10-20 - **Topic:** [Software & Engineering](https://brifing.si/c/engineering) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b4d56899-2a27-4c6e-b032-d56d55ab668f ## Bridging Two Distinct Mediums Water is 1,000 times denser than air, creating significant mechanical challenges for transition. Researchers at MIT and EPFL designed a flapping-wing aerial-aquatic vehicle, or FAAV, to mimic birds like puffins. This robot successfully navigates both environments, demonstrating that a single mechanical architecture can handle these vastly different physical fluid dynamics. ## Technical Design and Specifications The FAAV weighs under 300 grams and features a central fuselage with two flexible, hydrophobic wings. A waterproof electric motor drives a crankshaft, moving the wings at preset frequencies. A steerable tail allows the robot to adjust its pitch, facilitating the critical transition from underwater swimming to aerial flight maneuvers. ## Optimizing Wing and Tail Mechanics Experiments in water tanks and Lake Geneva identified optimal wing sizes and flapping frequencies. Medium-sized, flexible wings proved most effective, balancing the need for low amplitude in water with sufficient firmness for flight. A 70-degree pitch angle was found to be the most efficient configuration for exiting the water surface. ## Surprising Lack of Feet While many diving birds rely on paddling their feet to generate takeoff momentum from the water, this robot achieves flight without them. The engineering team discovered that the specific combination of wing flapping and tail angle provides enough lift to break the surface tension, simplifying the overall design of the vehicle. ## Applications in Ocean Science The robot aims to assist oceanographers and marine biologists by accessing regions too dangerous for traditional vessels. It can fly to specific locations, such as icebergs or whale pods, to collect samples or measurements. This capability offers a cost-effective alternative to current methods, allowing for more frequent and localized data collection. ## Future Operational Capabilities Researchers envision deploying these drones from boats or shorelines to gather data hourly rather than weekly. By flying at high speeds to a target, diving to collect information, and returning to deliver data, the system enables continuous monitoring. This high-frequency data collection could significantly improve our understanding of complex marine environments. ## Upcoming Development Milestones The team is currently working on designing wings that can turn in addition to flapping, increasing maneuverability. Future testing will focus on performance under turbulent conditions, including choppy water and windy flight paths. These refinements are essential for ensuring the robot remains stable and functional during real-world deployments in unpredictable ocean settings. ## Impact on Data Collection The primary challenge in ocean science remains the difficulty of collecting data frequently across diverse locations. This robotic platform addresses that gap by providing a scalable, autonomous solution for remote sensing. By enabling rapid, repeated cycles of flight and submersion, the technology promises to transform how scientists monitor fragile aquatic ecosystems. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/10/20/1145205/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-its-a-robo-puffin/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._