Biomorphic Gliders

Biomorphic gliders are small robotic microflyers proposed for use in scientific exploration of planetary atmospheres and terrains that capture some key features of insect and bird flight. Biomorphic gliders as biomorphic flight systems are a subset of biomorphic explorers. The multidisciplinary system concept of "Biomorphic Explorers" represents small, dedicated, low-cost explorers that possess some of the key features of biological systems, not easily captured by conventional robotic systems. Such features particularly include versatile mobility, adaptive controls, bioinspired sensor mechanisms, biomorphic sensor fusion, biomorphic communications, biomorphic cooperative behavior, distributed operations, and biomorphic energy generation/conversion. Significant scientific and technological payoff at a low cost is realizable by using the potential offered by a large number of such cooperatively operating biomorphic explorer units in concert with the traditional exploration platforms such as the lander/rover, orbiter, etc., for example.