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A research team of students at Texas A&M University has developed a compact micro air vehicle (MAV) that can be launched by hand and stabilize itself midair within seconds. Weighing just 112 grams—lighter than a typical smartphone—the drone folds down into a slim, pocket-sized form factor and unfolds automatically when deployed.
Once airborne, the MAV extends its arms and locks them into place. Even when released with high rotational speed—up to 2,500 degrees per second—it can correct its orientation and settle into a stable hover. This is made possible by an onboard control system that uses real-time sensor data to adjust the drone’s propellers and maintain balance, according to Interesting Engineering.
The MAV’s self-righting ability is a result of a feedback controller designed to handle rapid and unpredictable launches. During tests, the drone was thrown with varying force and angles. In all cases, the system detected its orientation instantly and adjusted its motors to regain stability without manual intervention.
The engineering behind the MAV emphasizes both strength and portability. The folding propeller arms minimize the drone’s footprint during storage and transport, yet provide enough lift for steady flight when deployed. The design is supported by detailed flight dynamics modeling, including a six degrees of freedom (6DOF) simulation that accounts for lift, drag, and torque in three-dimensional space. These simulations were validated against real-world flight data using motion capture systems, allowing the team to refine the drone’s behavior and responsiveness.
The practical applications for such a system are broad. In emergency response scenarios, responders could carry multiple MAVs and deploy them quickly to survey disaster zones. The military may find value in its use for lightweight reconnaissance missions where traditional UAVs are impractical.
By combining compact design with reliable flight performance, this MAV presents a promising tool for situations where speed, portability, and ease of use are essential.
