Entomology studies demonstrated that insects -but also birds- can decrease the power consumption by storing and releasing elastic energy in the elements of their musculoskeletal flapping system, concretely the thorax (tergal plate), flight muscles and wing hinges.

Based on these, we have developed a compliant flapping mechanism based on elastic hinges, and demonstrated that indeed power requirements for flapping are decreased w.r.t. a rigid mechanism, and at the same time shocks are reduced at the benefit of the mechanical structure and flight stability.