Fig. 1: Adaptive continuous-shape-changing solar-powered microfliers enabled by a drone-mounted releasing module.

a Schematics of the shape-changing mode of the proposed microflier, which simulates the shape-changing mechanism of a dandelion seed. The angle (θ) of the dandelion seeds is mainly influenced by the relative humidity (RH). b Diagrams show the shape-changing process of a microflier with the assistance of a shape memory alloy actuator (SMAA). c Tragopogon pratensis seed (left) demonstrating a multi-angle umbrella-shaped aerodynamic structure, and the microflier (right) is actuated by SMAAs in different shapes. d Disassembled view of the adaptive continuous-shape-changing solar-powered microflier with major components. e Schematics of the microfliers’ integration and function strategy. The interaction of the microfliers and the environment adaptive module (EAM) mimics the adaptive abscission and continuous-shape-changing dispersal mechanisms between the tragopogon seeds and capitulum.