Design aspects of a bio-inspired flying sensor node

This paper presents several aspects of the design of a miniature flapping wing flying platform to be used as a sensor platform. The extreme demands on weight and energy efficiency force novel solutions inspired by insects. The platform uses a fully compliant structure in resonant mode to create the required wing motion similar to insects. The primary senses of insects used for flight stabilization are discussed and a sensor system based on the optical flow is proposed for flight stabilization and control which is inspired by insects. The system uses six optical mouse sensors and a simple analogue circuit to directly drive control actuators in the wings and control the main flapping actuator.