16 Elythor has developed a UAV that can adapt its wing shape to wind conditions and flight position in real time, reducing its energy consumption (writes Nick Flaherty). TheMorpho is part wingedUAV, part quadcopter that can change shape according to the task at hand. The adaptive wings extend theUAV’s flight time and give it greater manoeuvrability, allowing it to fly vertically or horizontally andmaking it suitable for applications such as inspecting high-voltage lines and powerplants. When sitting on its four legs as a ‘tailsitter’, the 1.8 kgMorpho has a streamlined shape that resembles a rocket and allows vertical take-off. This allows it to be deployed in confined spaces, fly to within just a few centimetres of a piece of equipment, and inspect the equipment without bumping into it. Once the inspection is complete, the Morpho can shift its motors and rotate into a horizontal, more aerodynamic position and fly to the next inspection site. If the UAV encounters strong or rapidly changing winds along the way, it will expand or contract its wings as necessary to maintain its trajectory. It can also glide given the right wind conditions. All of that saves time during inspections, and means the UAV can fly for longer. It also allows the Morpho to perform inspections in a wider range of weather conditions. “We calculated that using the Morpho can cut the time and cost of an inspection by an average of 35%,” said Harry Vourtsis, co-founder and CEO of Elythor, a spin-off from research centre EPFL in Switzerland. Once the Morpho reaches the next inspection site, it can fold up its wings and return to a vertical position in order to fly right up to the equipment. “Winged UAVs have the advantage of longer flight times, while quadcopters have better manoeuvrability,” said Vourtsis. “We combined the two and added an adaptative wing system that reduces the power requirement even further.” The Morpho’s wing control system is the result of several years of research at EPFL’s Laboratory of Intelligent Systems, and has been described in a number of scientific articles. The system includes sensors linked to a software program for monitoring wind direction and speed. “The controller automatically selects whether to hold thewings in place or let themmove freelywith thewind, according to the trajectory and effective speed, along with any changes inwind direction,” said NathanMuller, another Elythor co-founder. “Thewings’ surface area can also be adjusted symmetrically or asymmetrically depending onwind direction.” The algorithms for the control system seek not just to optimise the tradeoff between air friction and lift, but also to minimise power use. This takes advantage of wind currents to let the UAV glide or adjust the wings asymmetrically to regulate its yaw. This provides greater stability in heavy winds. “Our design can reduce power use by up to 85% when flying in the vertical position,” said Muller. Airborne vehicles ‘Shape-shifting’ UAV June/July 2023 | Uncrewed Systems Technology Morpho is a part-winged UAV, part quadcopter with adaptive wings to save energy We calculated that using the Morpho can cut the time and cost of an inspection by an average of 35%, and can reduce power use by up to 85%
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