Epson Micro Flying Robot

Background

The Micro Flying Robot (μFR) was developed by Epson and first demonstrated at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo in November 2003. Its purpose was to demonstrate Epson’s micro-mechatronics technology and to explore the possible use of micro robots and the development of component technology applications. The μFR is levitated by contra-rotating propellers powered by four 7x2x1-mm ultrasonic motors originally developed for wristwatches.

It is balanced in mid-air by a stabilizing mechanism that uses a linear actuator. Although radio-controlled, the μFR relies on power from an external battery via a power cable, which limits its flying range. The robot includes two microprocessors, a Bluetooth module, a gyro-sensor, an accelerometer, and an image sensor.

An enhanced version, the μFR-II, was developed in 2004 for full wireless operation paired with independent flight capability. The main challenge was combining lighter weight with greater dynamic lift. Epson made the robot lighter by developing a new gyro-sensor that is one-fifth the weight of its predecessor.

Dynamic lift was boosted 30% by introducing more powerful ultra-thin ultrasonic motors and newly designed, optimally shaped main rotors. The μFR-II includes two 32-bit RISC microcontrollers, an on-board lithium polymer battery, and an image sensor that can capture and transmit images via Bluetooth wireless connection. Its flight time is 3 minutes.