This Quadcopter Can Produce 3D-Printed Foam Structures While Flying
Rahul Kalvapalle — May 9, 2014 — Tech
References: www3.imperial.ac.uk & gizmag
Scientists at the Aerial Robotics Lab in Imperial College London are developing a robotic quadcopter that can disperse polyurethane foam while flying. By targeting where the foam lands, the quadcopter can build structures, essentially making it a flying 3D printer. The device is inspired by the swiftlet, a bird that builds its nests while flying.
The quadcopter has two canisters that contain separate liquid chemicals. These chemicals mix together as they pass through the extrusion nozzle, where a chemical reaction converts the chemicals to foam.
The quadcopter then uses GPS and infrared cameras to identify targets on which to spray the foam. Sensor data is transmitted to a laptop, which considers the quadcopter's angles and flight path and relays foam extrusion commands back to the quadcopter.
This sort of technology could have important implications in the future. Quadcopters like these, once developed further, could be used to perform repairs in areas difficult or dangerous for humans to access.
The quadcopter has two canisters that contain separate liquid chemicals. These chemicals mix together as they pass through the extrusion nozzle, where a chemical reaction converts the chemicals to foam.
The quadcopter then uses GPS and infrared cameras to identify targets on which to spray the foam. Sensor data is transmitted to a laptop, which considers the quadcopter's angles and flight path and relays foam extrusion commands back to the quadcopter.
This sort of technology could have important implications in the future. Quadcopters like these, once developed further, could be used to perform repairs in areas difficult or dangerous for humans to access.
Trend Themes
1. Foam-spewing Quadcopters - Creating polyurethane foam structures with a flying 3D printer.
2. Aerial Robotics - Developing innovative quadcopters that can identify targets on which to spray foam.
3. Remote Repairs - Creating machines that can perform repairs in difficult or dangerous areas.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - Building structures with a flying 3D printer could revolutionize the construction industry.
2. Manufacturing - The use of foam-spewing quadcopters could advance the precision and efficiency of manufacturing processes.
3. Emergency Services - Quadcopters that can remotely perform repairs could assist emergency services during natural disasters or other crises.
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