Bats have been a source of flying inspiration for inventors since the days of Leonardo Da Vinci. The bat moves in such fluid ways, and humanity has wanted to replicate this elegance for ourselves.

Researchers at Caltech have just taken a great leap forward in doing so.

Caltech recently designed a robotic bat with a silicon membrane for wings. They studied the movement of bat joints, and found the “robat” is capable of about 60% of a bat’s flight kinematics.

The Robat is capable of cruise flights, bank turning and sharp diving maneuvers. It weighs 3.3 ounces and has a wingspan of about 15 inches, which makes is comparable in weight and size to the fruit bat.

But why create a Robat when we have drones available to us now?

Although most drones are quite noisy because of their dangerous propellers. the Robat is capable of near-silent travel with one a single, tiny motor.

Who knows, in the future. we may be seeing robotic bats as commonplace as drones are today!

Eric Cawley is an occasional blogger for Gary Stringham & Associates. Gary provides consulting and expert witness services in embedded systems such as robotics. Feel free to contact Gary at 208-939-6984.