Flying snakes could help to design next-generation robotics

Animals inspiring robot design is not a new phenomenon, as robots have commonly been developed to mimic animal movements such as walking and swimming. Now, US researchers are investigating how to design robots that imitate the gliding motion performed by flying snakes. The study, 'Computational analysis of vortex dynamics and aerodynamic performance in flying-snake-like gliding flight with horizontal undulation,' is published in Physics of Fluids. The investigation analysed the lift production mechanism of flying snakes that undulate side-to-side as they travel from the tops of trees to the ground to evade predators or move efficiently. This undulation enables flying snakes to glide for great distances – as far as 25 metres from a 15-metre height.