Imagine a drone so tiny, it could pass for a buzzing insect. That’s exactly what China’s National Defense University has showcased. Liang Hexiang, a student there, developed a surveillance drone about the size of a mosquito. It even landed on surfaces just like one on a military program on China’s CCTV channel.
This tiny marvel is built to fly just like a real insect. It has three small legs that help it land gently. The drone uses these bio-inspired movements to hover perfectly still. It can also slip through narrow openings and enter buildings without anyone noticing.
Inside this miniature body are advanced electronics and tiny sensors. All these complex parts are shrunk down to the size of a coin. This small size gives it a big advantage. It could be used for military missions, like sneaking into enemy areas. It might also help with indoor spying or even assist in disaster rescue efforts.
However, China isn’t the only player in this race for miniature drones. The United States and Norway are also pouring money into similar drone technology. For instance, the Black Hornet drone is no bigger than your palm. It’s used for scouting missions by NATO forces. The latest version, Black Hornet 4, can fly longer and is tougher. It also keeps its data extra secure.
Then there’s Harvard University’s RoboBee project, focused purely on research. This drone is designed to mimic a bee’s flight. It can hover and land just like its insect inspiration. Unlike the others, RoboBee is not made for military use.
While these tiny drones offer incredible possibilities, they also raise some serious questions. They could be helpful in search and rescue or other critical missions. Yet, their ability to slip through windows without a trace is unsettling. This technology could become a weapon for unwanted spying or stealing information, which is definitely food for thought.