Researchers from UC Berkeley have developed a unique hybrid drone that both flies like a quadcopter and drives on the ground using the same motors. Unlike the average drone that needs separate motors or propellers to move on the ground, DUAWLFIN uses a clever mechanical system called a differential drivetrain to switch between flight and wheels. The spinning of propellers is not required while driving, which avoids kicking up dust or sensor interference, a common problem with other drones.
The unified design means less power consumption. The one-way bearings reduce wastage of power by not directing it to the propellers when in ground mode. This also doubles as a safety feature. It's more stable in comparison to regular quadcopters. The drone shows agility, climbing up slopes up to 30° and making fast turns with forces close to 1g. The switching between flying and driving is seamless, ideal for real-world uses like delivery or indoor navigation.
The design is open-source with full 3D models, demo videos, and the component list available online. The parts used are 3D printed or bought online. The combination of both makes it an accessible choice for hobbyists or students. The project is backed by the Hong Kong Center for Logistics Robotics and has been tested in the HiPeR Lab.
Nice Project!