Mapple Seed Drone: Researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (Sutd) have designed a unique flying robot inspired by the structure of maple seed. This monochopter can fly for 26 minutes with the help of a single rotor, which is far more than other drones of its size. This achievement has given a new height to the target of Sutd Associate Professor Fung Shaohui, who first created a 50 -minute flying drone on the 50th anniversary of Singapore. Now the team is working on small and more efficient design.
Maple seed -like flight
According to Techxplore’s report, nature gave the greatest inspiration to this project. Maple seeds fall slowly and produce lifts during this time. On this principle, the team developed a monocopter with a powered wing which is not only light but also better in control, efficiency and performance.
Tiny monorotor drone sets 26-min flight record with nature-inspired design.
Scientists in Singapore have made a groundbreaking achievement developing a tiny maple seed-inspired monocopter drone capable of flying for nearly half an hour with one rotor.pic.twitter.com/ZAHrt4A6Kh
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) August 10, 2025
AI-Virtual testing of different sizes, angles and weight was done with the help of competent tools, making the last prototype of only 32 grams but its flight capacity is much higher than other small drones.
Travel from 10 years hard work to record
This small monocopter can be extremely useful for low -cost and long -term missions such as taking weather measuring equipment or environmental monitoring. It proved its utility by winning the title of Sustainability Winner at the 2024 Dyson Awards.
Now the next goal of the team is to develop more payload, long flight and ability to cover more distance. This achievement is the result of 10 years of continuous progress of Sutd, which has started from SG50 quadcopter and reached the SG60 monocopter. It is planned to introduce it on the 60th anniversary of Singapore.
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