Epson invents tiny flying micro-robot

JAPANESE FIRM Seiko Epson is to show off the µFR - a micro flying robot - at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo later this week.

The flying robot uses two rotating propellors powered by an ultra-thin ultrasonic motor, said Epson, and balances in mid air by using a stabilising mechanism that uses a linear actuator.

The reason for developing the flying robot was to demonstrate its micromechantronics technology, and to explore the development of component technology apps based on such machines.

The firm didn't say how heavy the µFR is, or give details of its dimensions.

The flying robot is based on earlier technology Epson has showed off in the past - such as the mid 1990s EMRoS series, which followed light sources. It doesn't sell these machines any more. µ