Puffin-Inspired Robot that Swims and Flies

Engineers at MIT and EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, have designed a robot that can swim underwater, and flap out of the water to continue flying through air, much like a diving bird. The robot can help scientists study the mechanics that enable these actions in aquatic aviators and may help launch a new class of aerial-aquatic drones and vehicles. Raphael Zufferey, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at MIT heads up the AURA Lab, where he and his students engineer aerial and aquatic vehicles, inspired by biomechanics in nature. More information at the MIT AURA lab: https://aura.mit.edu/ Watch more videos from MIT MechE:    / mitmeche   Producing/Filming/Editing by John Freidah Editing by Evan Griffin Production assistance by Lauren Futami