Several students from Aalborg University in Denmark have successfully created a dual-purpose unmanned drone using 3D printing technology. This drone is capable of seamless transitioning from flying in the air to swimming in the water, opening up a new realm of possibilities for various applications in different fields.
The associate professor leading the university’s research on offshore drones and robotics, Petar Durdevic, announced on LinkedIn that undergraduate students Andrei Copaci, Mikolaj Dzwigało, Paweł Kowalczyk, and Krzysztof Sierocki had successfully defended their bachelor’s theses.
These students have turned their bold idea into a functional prototype of a hybrid drone that can operate both in the air and underwater. With variable-pitch propellers and a waterproof structure, this drone is capable of seamlessly transitioning between the sky and the sea.
In just two semesters, they completed the design, manufacturing, and comprehensive testing of this drone. This achievement paves the way for the development of unmanned drones with functions such as maritime inspections, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue operations.
Copaci shared a video on social media demonstrating how they tested the drone. The footage shows the drone taking off near a large pool, swiftly diving into the water, swimming for a few seconds underwater, then resurfacing and flying again, showcasing a remarkably smooth transition.
According to Live Science, these students are all studying applied industrial electronics. They utilized variable-pitch propellers to achieve the transition from air to water. The blades of the propellers can rotate at different angles to adapt to these two distinct environments.
The students informed Live Science via email that this aerial-underwater drone signifies a significant advancement in robotics technology. The use of variable-pitch propellers enables individual drones to operate effectively in both the air and water.
They first created a drone model, then designed a variable-pitch propeller system. When the drone is flying, the propeller blades are set at a larger angle to generate more airflow. In the water, the blades are set at a smaller angle to minimize resistance and improve efficiency. The propeller can also provide negative thrust to enhance underwater maneuverability.
The team utilized a 3D printer and computer-controlled machining equipment to produce the parts needed for the drone and custom software to design the necessary programs. Subsequently, they began testing the drone.
The students expressed, “We are amazed by the seamless transition of the drone from water to air.”
While this new type of drone is currently just a prototype, the technology holds vast potential for real-world applications, ranging from emergency response to military applications. The students mentioned that potential uses include military operations, ship inspections, marine exploration, and search and rescue missions.
This is not the world’s first dual-purpose aerial-underwater drone. Researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey developed a similar prototype capable of executing comparable tasks back in 2015.
You can watch the video of the students testing the drone by clicking here.