SAM is a flying robot inspired by the autorotating motion of a falling maple seed. It uses a single motor to spin its whole body for lift, with the same actuator responsible for both staying aloft and controlling direction.

Researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design added predictive control and tested the robot on circular and figure-eight paths, under fan-generated wind, and with a 5 g payload. Rather than adding the multiple rotors used by conventional drones, the team improved accuracy while keeping the machine to a single moving part.