● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
EPFL Researchers Develop 3D-Printed Sound-Powered Engines for Silent Micro-Drones
Key points
- EPFL developed 3D-printed engines using resonant sound frequencies for thrust.
- The engines power silent micro-drones and a small boat.
- Micro-drones use ultrasonic frequencies, making them inaudible.
- The technology could lead to new robotic applications and silent propulsion.
Sound-Powered Propulsion System
A research team from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Microbiorobotic Systems Laboratory (MICROBS) has created a "sound-powered engine." This engine utilizes the resonant frequency within a specially shaped 3D-printed cavity to energize air, which is then expelled as a concentrated jet for thrust. This method allows for propulsion without traditional moving parts.
Applications in Micro-Robotics
The team has demonstrated three practical applications of this engine. One is a boat propelled by three resonators, with one at the rear for propulsion and two on the sides for navigation. The other two applications are microfliers, or tiny flying machines, powered by ultrasonic frequencies. These microfliers can achieve silent operation due to the inaudible nature of ultrasonic sound.
Silent Micro-Drone Capabilities
One microflier design features three downward-facing cavities for vertical lift. Another design incorporates three blades, similar to a helicopter rotor, with resonators at the base of each blade. These resonators generate thrust, allowing the blades to rotate at over 12,000 RPM and enabling the device to hover silently. The use of ultrasonic frequencies ensures that these devices operate without audible noise.
Future Development and Impact
While current prototypes, such as the microfliers, have a maximum altitude of less than 5mm, the research successfully proves the concept's feasibility. The next phase of development involves scaling up the technology to enable these devices to carry payloads. This innovation could lead to new forms of robotic matter and silent propulsion systems for various applications.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
The daily brief
One email each morning: the day's tech stories, clustered across outlets and summarized. No account needed.
One email a day. Unsubscribe in one click, any time.
Today's brief
Spend a few minutes, get the whole day. Every topic's top stories in one hands-free rundown — listen, watch, or read the transcript.
▶ Play today's brief
New every morning, and the back catalogue is archived by date.
Reporting from
Researchers at EPFL's MICROBS lab have developed 3D-printed sound-powered engines that use resonant frequencies to generate thrust, enabling silent micro-drones and a boat. This technology demonstrates a novel method for propulsion using acoustic resonators, potentially leading to new types of robotic matter and silent flying devices.