MIT and EPFL built a robot that can fly dive underwater swim break through the surface and return to the air using the same wings.
Called FAAV the flapping wing aerial aquatic vehicle weighs less than 300 grams.
Its design includes:
• Two flexible 80 cm wings
• Hydrophobic nanoparticle coated membranes
• A waterproof electric motor
• An internal battery and crankshaft
• A motorized tail controlling ascent and descent
The wings flap around five times per second. The robot reaches nearly 1 m/s underwater and about 6 m/s in the air.
To exit the water it approaches the surface at roughly 70 degrees. This angle prevents the wingtips from hitting the water and allows the wings to generate enough lift for takeoff.
Unlike puffins and ducks it does not need feet to paddle across the surface before flying.
Researchers tested the prototype in a controlled tank and in Lake Geneva. The next challenge is adding better turning control and proving that it can handle waves turbulent water and strong wind.
Future versions could fly from shore or a boat dive near icebergs ports coral reefs or whale populations collect samples and measurements then return with the data.
The research was published in Science in 2026.