In a special edition of Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, 14 different research teams published findings from studies delving into the improvement of drone flight and function by using natural blueprints found in the animal kingdom.

The scientists observed an array of animals in a variety of scenarios in order to produce new innovations for drone technology. Birds, bats, insects, and flying snakes were closely observed in order to glean information to overlay onto drone technology.

“Flying animals can be found everywhere in our cities,” according to a statement from David Lentik, guest editor. “From scavenging pigeons to alcohol-sniffing fruit flies that make precision landings on our wine glasses, these animals have quickly learned how to control their flight through urban environments to exploit our resources.”

Scientists studied Hawkmoth flight performance in tornado-like whirlwind vortices; analyzed the fluid-structure interaction with compliant insect wings; observed the membrane muscle function in the compliant wings of bats; worked toward autonomous avian-inspired grasping for drone vehicles; created a flocking algorithm for autonomous flying robots; and conducted a theoretical analysis of pitch stability during gliding in flying snakes.

The research has far reaching implications into the future function of drones. Instead of being hampered by extreme conditions and erratic environments not conducive to traditional straight-line flying, scientists hope to capture the functionality nature has developed to counteract poor flying conditions over long distance deliveries.

As drone technology continues to evolve, using nature as the basis for bioengineering and biomimicry will continue to shed light on the optimal blueprint for such robotic systems.