u/Livid_Discount9140

Researchers at MIT's AURA Lab have developed the Flapping-wing Aerial Aquatic Vehicle (FAAV), a bioinspired robot capable of flying, swimming, and transitioning between air and water using the same flexible flapping wings. Instead of relying on separate propulsion systems, its membrane wings generate lift in the air and bend passively underwater to reduce drag and protect the actuators. Weighing just 250 grams with an 88 cm wingspan, the prototype cruises at 6.3 m/s in air, swims at 0.95 m/s, and can burst out of the water in under a second despite water being about 800 times denser than air. The hybrid design could transform environmental monitoring by enabling a single robot to survey lakes, coastlines, coral reefs, flood zones, and other ecosystems without the need for separate aerial and underwater vehicles: https://news.mit.edu/2026/new-flapping-robot-swims-and-flies-like-diving-bird-0709

Learn more here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dfloreano_ever-wondered-what-it-takes-for-some-birds-ugcPost-7481264213844332545-SF8O/

Project details: https://aura.mit.edu/research/faav.html

Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XJhrKpcBGI

He came and took it without wiping 🧻

So glad you’re not in The Finals!!!

Credit goes to The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Famous for its unique "umbrella" feeding technique where it shades the water with its wings to attract and ambush fish.

Evening light, calm water, and a Roseate Spoonbill putting on a quiet show—Florida never disappoints.