Cornell’s insect-inspired 3D model could allow flapping-wing robots to fly stably

Cornell researchers built a streamlined 3D model of insect and bird flight that cuts the problem to five key physical variables.

The model reveals an anti-resonance condition that can enable passive stability in flapping-wing motion.

That insight could help engineers design lighter, simpler flapping robots that need less sensing and control.

It may also give biologists a faster tool for comparing winged species and studying how flight evolved.