Researchers build experimental drone that flies without moving parts

Rutgers University engineers have developed an experimental drone that flies without traditional moving parts like motors or gears, instead using electricity-driven materials that flex and twist like bird wings. The solid-state ornithopter relies on piezoelectric materials that deform when voltage is applied, creating flapping motion through material flexibility alone. While current piezoelectric materials aren't advanced enough for full implementation, computational models demonstrate the feasibility of this approach for future agile drones suited for search-and-rescue missions and urban delivery.