
Aerial robots can autonomously collect temporal and spatial high‐resolution environmental data. This data can be utilized to develop mathematical ecology models to understand the impact of climate change on the habitat. In case of drone malfunction, the incorporated materials can threaten vulnerable environments. The recent introduction of transient robotics enables the development of biodegradable, environmental‐sensing drones capable of degrading in their environment. However, manufacturing methods for environmental‐sensing transient drones are rarely discussed. Herein, a manufacturing framework and material selection process featuring biopolymer‐based, high‐strength composite cryogels, and printed carbon‐based electronics for transient drones are highlighted. It is found that gelatin‐ and cellulose‐based cryogels mechanically outperform other biopolymer composites while having a homogeneous microstructure and high stiffness‐to‐weight ratio. The selected materials are used to manufacture a flying‐wing air‐frame, while the incorporated sensing skin is capable of measuring the elevons’ deflection angles as well as ambient temperature. It is demonstrated in the results how gelatin–cellulose cryogels can be used to manufacture lightweight transient drones, while printing carbon‐conductive electronics is a viable method for designing sustainable, integrated sensors. The proposed methods can be used to guide the development of lightweight and rapidly degrading robots, featuring eco‐friendly sensing capabilities. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found here: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.167506513.33779420/v1.
cryogel, robotics, Computer engineering. Computer hardware, Control engineering systems. Automatic machinery (General), flying wing, structural health monitoring, 600, 620, TK7885-7895, bio-hybrid materials; cryogel; environmental monitoring; flying wing; robotics; structural health monitoring; transient electronics, TJ212-225, bio-hybrid materials, transient electronics, environmental monitoring
cryogel, robotics, Computer engineering. Computer hardware, Control engineering systems. Automatic machinery (General), flying wing, structural health monitoring, 600, 620, TK7885-7895, bio-hybrid materials; cryogel; environmental monitoring; flying wing; robotics; structural health monitoring; transient electronics, TJ212-225, bio-hybrid materials, transient electronics, environmental monitoring
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 15 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
