Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Andhra University Students Build Bio-Inspired Flapping-Wing Ornithopter
Some clever engineering students in India built a special flying machine that flaps its wings just like a bird.
It is called an ornithopter.
Unlike regular drones that use spinning propellers, this robot bird flies by flapping.
The machine is a little smaller than a crow.
It can fly at speeds of 8 to 12 kilometres per hour.
Because it only needs power when flapping, it saves energy and can fly longer.
It is also quieter and easier to control than normal drones.
Three students named Keerthi, Harshitha and Jaydev made it with the help of a startup company called Suraksha.
The flying robot could one day be used to watch wildlife, check the environment, and help with science.
The students learned a lot about engineering while building it.
Three students of Andhra University College of Engineering — Keerthi, Harshitha and Jaydev — developed the ornithopter during a summer internship with Visakhapatnam-based startup Suraksha Pvt. Ltd.
The bio-inspired ornithopter is a flapping-wing aerial vehicle, slightly smaller than a common crow, that mimics bird flight unlike conventional multi-rotor drones.
The prototype flies at speeds of 8 to 12 kmph and is described as more energy-efficient, quieter, and easier to manoeuvre than conventional drones, with improved hovering stability.
Its features include a lightweight bamboo airframe, a coreless DC motor, a crank mechanism, an electronic control system, a motor driver, and a wireless transmitter-receiver.
Potential applications include environmental monitoring, wildlife observation, scientific research, engineering education, and future defence and strategic uses.
- Who
- Students Keerthi, Harshitha and Jaydev of Andhra University College of Engineering, mentored by Prof. Mallikarjuna Rao with support from Dr Gautam, and guided by Suraksha Pvt. Ltd. founder Tapasvii.
- What
- Developed a bio-inspired ornithopter, a flapping-wing aerial vehicle that mimics bird flight as an alternative to conventional drone technology.
- When
- During a summer internship; specific dates were not stated in the article.
- Where
- Andhra University College of Engineering and Suraksha Pvt. Ltd. in Visakhapatnam, India.
- Why
- To create a more energy-efficient and quieter aerial platform, advance research in bio-inspired flight, and give students hands-on interdisciplinary engineering experience.
- Development team
- Keerthi, Harshitha and Jaydev
- Institution
- Andhra University College of Engineering
- Partner startup
- Suraksha Pvt. Ltd., Visakhapatnam
- Flight speed
- 8 to 12 kmph
- Size
- Slightly smaller than a common crow
- Key components
- Bamboo airframe, coreless DC motor, crank mechanism, electronic control system, motor driver, wireless transmitter-receiver
- Mentorship
- Prof. Mallikarjuna Rao; Dr Gautam (Project Officer, Electrical Engineering)
- Intended applications
- Environmental monitoring, wildlife observation, scientific research, engineering education, defence and strategic uses