Robot technology is one step closer to limitless, as Harvard scientists unveil the World's tiniest flying robotic insect. The insect-inspired robot sits on your fingertip at half the size of a paper clip, weighing less than a toothpick.
The robot flaps clear, wafer-thin wings at 120 times per second. It buzzes like an insect, which was the inspiration behind the creation of the robot. The robotic insect is so micro that it is almost non-existent; it is no surprise that the intricate design and engineering took more than a decade of work by Harvard's researchers.
This type of innovation is a breakthrough in nano technology. A member of the robot project described it on the site as "pushing the limits of what we think we can do, the limits of human ingenuity."
Fingertip-Sized Robotic Insects
The World's Smallest Flying Robot is Made by Harvard Scientists
Trend Themes
1. Nano-robotics - The creation of the world's tiniest flying robot that weighs less than a toothpick and sits on your fingertip showcases a breakthrough in nano-robotics that can be applied to various industries such as healthcare and aerospace.
2. Biomimicry - The insect-inspired design of the robot opens the possibility for further biomimicry research that could spark innovation in industries such as agriculture and surveillance.
3. Micro-electromechanical Systems - The development of such a complex miniaturized robot highlights the potential for innovation in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) that could revolutionize industries such as consumer electronics and automotive manufacturing.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The advancement of nano-robotics could lead to significant improvements in healthcare industries, such as drug delivery, surgery, and disease detection.
2. Aerospace - The invention of tiny robotic insects can lead to disruptive innovation in aircraft inspection and monitoring, as well as space exploration and satellite technology.
3. Surveillance - The biomimetic design of the robot has potential for security and surveillance industries, enabling the creation of insect-sized drones that can easily navigate through tight spaces and access hard-to-reach areas.