MIT-EPFL Amphibious Robot Swims Underwater and Takes Off
xiaohu · x · 2026-07-16
MIT and EPFL have designed a water-air amphibious robot: it can swim underwater, then flap its wings to jump out of the water and continue flying in the air. The robot consists of a fuselage, two membrane wings, and an adjustable tail. A waterproof motor drives the wings up and down via a crank mechanism, while the tail controls pitch and dive.
In experiments, tests with a 70° takeoff angle were all successful, and the robot took only about 8 to 10 wing flaps to exit the water. Researchers say such platforms can be used to study the dynamics of amphibious fliers and may offer design insights for future air-water drones.
Related event: MIT-EPFL Amphibious Robot Switches Between Air and Water(2 posts)→
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