Two Dimensional Insect Flight Trajectory Tracking and Analysis

Insects display excellent flying skills at micro-scale and have been the source of inspiration for technology protagonists. This paper delineates the underlying science of typical insect-inspired flight with the objective of using the knowledge for improving the versatility of bio-inspired Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) and Nano Air Vehicles (NAVs). Various trajectories of flying insects (honey bee and butterfly) are tracked in a controlled environment. Insects of different wingspans are framed in the container such that their two dimensional flight trajectories are captured. Trajectory analysis of these insects is carried out for four phases of flight, that is, climb, descent, vertical climb and forward flight. The resultant dynamic and kinematic variables are compared during these phases for honeybees and butterflies. The results obtained through experimentation are analyzed to draw conclusions about velocity, acceleration and resultant forces. Honeybees executed climb, descent and forward flight with approximate velocity of 1.8 m/s and vertical climb with 1.5 m/s. Butterflies executed climb, descent and forward flight with approximate velocity of 2.1 m/s and vertical climb with 1.4 m/s. A consistent pattern in velocity reduction is observed during vertical climb by both species whereas same velocity is recorded for climb, descent and forward flight. It is argued that the average speeds during different phases are governed by the navigational cues instead of physical ability. As a future task, more insects of different wingspans will be studied to make a scalable trend.