# Largué d'un drone, ce robot tourne comme une graine d'érable, puis se transforme en voilier

> Researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design present ALBATROSS in the journal Science Robotics. The sensor robot is dropped from a drone, then sails on its own across water, Popular Science reports.

Published on 2026-10-01

The robot is released from height. It spins its deployed “wings” to slow its fall, lands on the water, then turns into a sailboat, with a backup rudder that resembles a fish fin.

The researchers drew on three animal models: the maple seed for the descent, the mute swan for sailing, and various fish for the rear rudder.

In the tests, the robot hung beneath a remote-controlled drone that hovered at about 490 feet before releasing it. As it spun, it cut its falling speed from about 69 to about 15 miles per hour.

The robot is economical with energy. In an experiment lasting about three hours, it finished with roughly 50% of its main battery left.

It will not be facing a storm any time soon, Popular Science warns. Its small, light frame would probably survive only a few moments in heavy waves.

## Sources

- [Popular Science](https://www.popsci.com/technology/new-robot-fly-sail-swim/)

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