This Hybrid Drone Seamlessly Transitions from Air to Water Using Variable Pitch Propellers - Yanko Design
Briefly

Aalborg University students created a hybrid drone prototype that can fly and swim using variable pitch propellers. This innovative approach to multi-environment robotics allows one device to operate effectively in both air and water. The engineering challenge was to create propellers that generate thrust for flight while enabling effective underwater propulsion. The solution involved blades that automatically adjust their angle based on the medium, represented by a 3D-printed drone. This design highlights the students’ commitment to adaptability, suggesting a future where one machine tackles multiple environments efficiently.
The hybrid drone represents a fascinating approach to multi-environment robotics, where a single device can operate effectively in two completely different mediums.
The breakthrough lies in the clever engineering of variable pitch propellers that adapt their blade angles depending on whether they're cutting through air or pushing through water.
This design prioritizes adaptability and seamless transitions, allowing the prototype to quickly transition between air and water with impressive efficiency.
Variable pitch propellers serve as the heart of this hybrid drone's unique capabilities, functioning like adjustable wings that optimize performance for different environments.
Read at Yanko Design - Modern Industrial Design News
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