# Bird-Like Drone Wings Researchers from Brown University Created a Wing Design Inspired by Birds By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-02-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wing-design References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2020/02/01/bird-inspired-small-drone-wings/) & [brown.edu](https://www.brown.edu/news/2020-01-29/wings) Researchers from [Brown University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ocean-state-labs-incubator) recently created a wing design that could help [drones fly for longer periods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laser-recharging-system) of time. The new wing design takes inspiration from bird wings, and it is able to keep a drone in flight for a total of three hours. Currently, the new design has only been tested in a wind tunnel. Researchers have also patented the design but will continue to look for potential design improvements. Traditionally aircraft wings are designed to be smooth, in order to guide the air to the wing, however, conventional designs reduce efficiency. Since the researchers did not follow traditional wing designs, they were able to increase the aspect ratio of the wings. The design could latter be integrated with [newer drone models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-aqua) to allow users to operate a drone for longer periods of time. Image Credit: Breuer Lab/ Brown University ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Bird-inspired Wing Design:** Creating wing designs for drones inspired by bird wings can increase flight efficiency and duration. - **Increased Drone Flight Time:** Developing wing designs that can keep drones in flight for longer periods of time can enhance drone capabilities. - **Non-traditional Wing Designs:** Exploring non-conventional wing designs can lead to innovations in drone technology. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Aerospace:** Implementing bird-inspired wing designs in the aerospace industry can revolutionize drone flight capabilities. - **Technology:** Incorporating longer flight durations through bird-like wing designs can drive advancements in the technology industry. - **Research and Development:** Continued patenting and improvement of bird-inspired wing designs can open opportunities for research and development in various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Crow-Shaped Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hooded-crow.md) - [Falcon-Inspired Aerial Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-falcon.md) - [Sustainable Bamboo-Crafted Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-drone.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [VTOL-Supporting Drone Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-systems.md) - [Inflatable Body Digital Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sobar-drone.md) - [Bug-Like Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-insect-robot.md) - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Heavy Payload-Accommodating Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firefly-drone.md)