Frequency-Modulated Control for Insect-Scale Flapping-Wing Vehicles

Many insects utilize both amplitude and frequency modulation of their wingstrokes to control flight, a combination with potential advantages for flapping-wing micro-aerial vehicle (FWMAV) flight control as we attempt to mimic the agility of small biological fliers. However, frequency-modulated control is uncommon in insect-scale FWMAVs, and these vehicles have not yet demonstrated graceful, mid-wingstroke frequency transitions in flight. We propose a method to allow active frequency control as a primary control variable, and describe a method to achieve smooth frequency transitions in flight. We demonstrate that frequency, in combination with other flapping parameters, may be used to generate arbitrary, time-varying forces and torques. Additionally, we explore the advantages of frequency modulation in FWMAV flight, applying a frequency-based method to control the Harvard RoboBee during hovering flight.