In a leap forward for robotics and aerial technology, researchers have unveiled DRAGON—a revolutionary flying manipulator capable of changing its shape mid-air to adapt to any situation. Short for Dual-rotor Embedded Multi-link Robot with the Ability of Multi-degree-of-freedom aerial transformation, DRAGON combines the agility of a drone with the versatility of a robotic arm.
Unlike traditional drones, DRAGON can morph its structure in real time—extending, coiling, or bending to navigate tight spaces, grab objects, or perform precision tasks while hovering. Powered by multiple linked segments with independent propellers, it’s designed to handle rescue missions, industrial inspections, and even space operations where adaptability is key.
The project, led by Japan’s University of Tokyo and JSK Lab, hints at a future where aerial robots are no longer just cameras in the sky but full-fledged airborne assistants. DRAGON’s creators believe it could eventually be scaled for larger payloads, disaster relief, and even extraterrestrial exploration.
With its transformer-like abilities, DRAGON is not just a flying machine—it’s a glimpse into a future where robots literally shape themselves to meet the challenge.
