Dragonfly-Inspired Mechanosensory Embodiment on Flapping Wing Drones = Dragonfly-Inspired Mechanosensory Embodiment on Flapping Wing Drones

Dragonflies are capable of executing graceful and highly agile flight maneuvers, thanks to their powered flight and flexible wings, which enhance lift generation and minimize drag. However, in dynamic flight simulations, this crucial wing flexibility is often underrepresented due to the complexity of non-linear modeling required to capture such behavior. In the current state of bioinspired flight dynamics, experimental studies are typically employed to directly assess flight performance based on wing aeroelasticity. This research aims to establish a reliable method for monitoring wing movement in flapping drones, with a focus on mimicking the intricate mechanosensory systems embedded in dragonfly wings. Two sensing approaches are explored: the first involves detecting wing stress and strain by measuring the stretch during flapping, resembling campaniform sensilla function in the veins of insect wings; the second approach focuses on measuring inertial acceleration at multiple points on the wing, mirroring the role of bristles in detecting aerodynamic forces. These techniques are investigated using strain gauges and accelerometers, both of which offer lightweight, non-invasive solutions capable of capturing real-time wing movements. Additionally, the study explores the potential application of wing movement data as sensory feedback, specifically in detecting obstacles to enhance flight control.