Bio-Inspired Smart Wings with PGPE-Enhanced Liquid Metal Circuits for Micro Flapping-Wing Robotics

This study presents bioinspired smart wings for micro flapping-wing robots, integrating stretchable electronics with Presprayed Galinstan Pin Extension (PGPE) technology. The smart wings incorporate real-time motion sensing and thermal management systems directly into flexible wing structures, addressing critical challenges in flight control, stability, and environmental adaptability. PGPE-enhanced liquid metal circuits provide superior electrical conductivity, adhesion, and mechanical resilience under dynamic deformation, ensuring stable performance during continuous flapping motion. Furthermore, the technology achieves enhanced passive thermal dissipation via an improved interface design, effectively mitigating overheating during prolonged operation. The circuits enable precise monitoring of wing angular position and acceleration, optimizing flight dynamics and improving system reliability across diverse conditions. Experimental results demonstrate the seamless integration of PGPE-enhanced circuits within the wing structure, maintaining stable electrical performance and effective thermal regulation under mechanical strain. By combining motion sensing and thermal control, these smart wings significantly enhance the functionality and adaptability of flapping-wing robotics, paving the way for advancements in environmental monitoring, search-and-rescue, and surveillance applications. This work highlights the potential of PGPE technology in revolutionizing flexible electronics for bioinspired robotic systems.