Imagine a drone so small it fits in your palm, yet powerful enough to fly indefinitely using only sunlight. 🌱 This week, researchers at Beijing's Beihang University revealed CoulombFly, a micro aerial vehicle (MAV) weighing less than a sheet of paper—smashing previous size and weight records by 90% and 99.8%, respectively!
The Breakthrough: Static Electricity Meets Solar Power
Traditional micro drones rely on bulky electromagnetic motors that overheat quickly, but CoulombFly’s electrostatic motor uses the Coulomb force—think charged particles doing a silent dance—to spin its blade efficiently. 🔄 This cuts energy loss and heat, allowing it to soar as long as sunlight hits its tiny solar panels.
Why It Matters
Before this? Even top-tier micro drones like Harvard’s 2019 Robobee needed triple the natural sunlight intensity to stay airborne. CoulombFly works in regular daylight, unlocking endless possibilities: environmental monitoring, disaster rescue, and even delivering supplies through tight spaces. 🚨🌍
Next-Level Efficiency
Co-author Peng Jinzhe explains: \"Static electricity runs on high voltage but low current, so we avoid energy-draining heat.\" The result? A motor 10x more efficient than traditional models, using 90% less power for lift-off. 💡
Lead researcher Yan Xiaojun says the tech could soon aid emergency responders and explore narrow environments—no batteries needed. ✨
