Tiny drones powered by sound
EPFL engineers have designed acoustic cavities that convert sound waves into thrust, enabling small robots and ultralight aerial vehicles without onboard actuators or electronics. They built miniature boats and microfliers using 3D printing, demonstrating sound-driven propulsion at both audible and ultrasonic frequencies. This research shows a new method for wireless actuation in robotics.
EPFL engineers have designed acoustic cavities that convert sound waves into thrust, enabling small robots and ultralight aerial vehicles without onboard actuators or electronics. They built miniature boats and microfliers using 3D printing, demonstrating sound-driven propulsion at both audible and ultrasonic frequencies. This research shows a new method for wireless actuation in robotics.
It introduces a lightweight, sound‑driven actuation technique that could inform Swiss AI‑driven robotics and autonomous systems development.
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