RobotMe summary
Researchers have developed Ice Dart, a drone with landing gear that can grip steep ice using small spines. IEEE Spectrum describes field testing on icebergs and a glacier in Iceland, where the system combined impact absorption with surface attachment.
Perching could allow an aircraft to observe its surroundings for longer than hovering on battery power alone. The research explores how this might support iceberg tracking and environmental monitoring. The results describe a particular experimental system and field campaign, not a guarantee that ordinary drones can safely land on ice.