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MIT, EPFL Reveal 250-Gram Flapping-Wing Robot That Flies, Swims

7/12/2026

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Summary

MIT Unveils Flapper

MIT researchers and EPFL engineers unveiled a 250-gram flapping-wing vehicle that flies and swims.
It travels ~6 m/s in air, powered by a waterproof motor that beats the wings five times per second.
In water the wings deform up to 90 percent, shrinking stroke and load, while in air they stiffen for lift.
To surface the robot pitches 70 degrees, completing the transition in eight to ten wing strokes removing propellers, paddling feet.

Summary

MIT Launches

The robot launches from water using only flexible wings, with parts waterproofed and an open chassis filled with water for buoyancy.
The 80 cm wings outperformed 60 cm and 100 cm versions, delivering ~6 km of flight or 2 km of swim and becoming efficient after ~15 m underwater.
Scientists suggest deploying robot from boats to monitor whales or sample reef water at cost, though it follows timing and has not yet completed a dive-and-return mission.

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MIT Unveils Flapper

MIT researchers and EPFL engineers unveiled a 250-gram flapping-wing vehicle that flies and swims.
It travels ~6 m/s in air, powered by a waterproof motor that beats the wings five times per second.
In water the wings deform up to 90 percent, shrinking stroke and load, while in air they stiffen for lift.
To surface the robot pitches 70 degrees, completing the transition in eight to ten wing strokes removing propellers, paddling feet.

1 / 2