Harvard researchers have developed a robotic fly with a three centimeter wingspan that weighs only 60 milligrams. Beyond that it actually flies. The real fly was used as a model for the robot's mechanical movements. In the future such micro fliers could be used as spies. So, if you think a room is bugged, pat down the flies and mosquitoes.
Implications - The project is being led by Professor Robert Wood who is a professor at the university's school of engineering and applied sciences. This is actually being funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. They hope that the robotic fly will be used for surveillance purposes in the battlefield and urban environments.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Micro Robotics
- Development of robotic flies opens up opportunities for advancements in micro robotics technology.
- Surveillance Drones
- Use of robotic flies as surveillance tools presents possibilities for innovative applications in the drone industry.
- Bio-inspired Engineering
- Modeling the robotic fly after real flies highlights potential for disruptive innovation in bio-inspired engineering fields.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Robotics
- Robotic flies contribute to the ongoing advancements and disruptive innovations within the robotics industry.
- Defense
- Integration of robotic flies in military surveillance can revolutionize the defense industry and its capabilities.
- Aerospace
- The emergence of micro fliers, like robotic flies, can bring new possibilities and disruption to the aerospace industry.
