HKU scientists come up with Aerial Elephant Trunk, a robotic achievement that allows the flexibility, accurate aerial manipulation within complicated low-altitude environments.

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has announced a breakthrough in aerial manipulation through the invention of a game-changing robot, the Aerial Elephant Trunk (AET) designed by Professor Peng Lu and his robotics task group. Presented in Nature Communications, this revolutionary aerial continuum manipulator demonstrates the significant step in the development of robotics, particularly on the low-altitude tasks.

The flexibility of the elephant trunk is a source of inspiration that the AET uses to redefine the way robots can operate within cluttered and restricted environments. As opposed to the traditional aerial manipulators with the use of limited robotic grippers, AET can transform its entire body to pick up the objects of all dimensions and shapes.

According to Prof. Lu, this aerial robotics breakthrough increases dexterity and in-real-world use. Whether it is cleansing the rubble in areas of disasters, cleaning up power lines and sea bridges, AET can adapt to those realities with an unprecedented level of ease.

The capacity to conduct maintenance and transportation operations in the cramped area makes AET a breakthrough in the world of aerial robotics as well as the developing low-altitude economy.