Hovering Hummingbirds

Function

Measuring only a few centimeters long and weighing a few grams, hummingbirds are very small birds that beat their wings at a speed of about 80 times per minute. Hummingbirds can drink the nectar from flowers while hovering (staying stationary in the air). They hover differently from both other birds and insects. Birds usually gain lifting power for flying by bringing their wings down. Insects gain equal lifting power from moving their wings in an upward and downward motion. Hummingbirds’ flight mechanics lie between these two types: they gain 75% of the lifting power needed by bringing their wings down; the other 25% comes from lifting their wings up.

Functional Classification

Transfer/Dispose/Circulate:
ConvectionFlight

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Technical Application

Knowledge of hummingbirds’ flight mechanics has been applied to the development of small robots that can fly by freely flapping their wings in any direction.

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

This knowledge can be used in the development of small robots intended to survey areas that are difficult for humans to enter directly, such as the inside of a building that has collapsed after a disaster. Also possible is the development of small robots used by the police to track criminals, or the creation of a small robot that can explore Mars.

Proposals of Applied Industry

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