# Powerful Tiny Drones The FlyCroTug Drones Can Pull 40 Times Their Weight By Justin Lam | Published 2018-10-30 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flycrotug-drones References: [digitaltrends](https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/tiny-drones-pull-40-times-weight/) & [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/27/flycrotugs-gripping-lifting-drones-stanford-epfl/) Developed by scientists working in the United States and Switzerland, these [tiny FlyCroTug drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsmall-drone) can easily pull objects 40 times their own weight. Prompted by nature and taking inspiration from the feet of geckos and the behavior of insects, the scientists equipped the FlyCroTug with 32 tiny metal spikes and the ability to move like wasps. The [small size of the drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-neo) also provides an amazing advantage as they can easily fit in small spaces and be safely flown close to people. The FlyCroTug drones represent a new age and huge upgrade in [modern drone technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-matrice-400). The ability to carry immense weight in a small package will prove to be impactful to a plethora of industries and the low cost of the drones provides further accessibility. Image Credit: Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Heavy Lifting Drones:** The development of tiny drones with the ability to lift heavy objects creates opportunities for industrial and logistical applications. - **Bio-inspired Drones:** Taking inspiration from nature and biological systems could enable the creation of new types of drones with unique capabilities. - **Miniature Drones:** The small size of these drones provides advantages for applications in industries where space is limited, such as construction and mining. ### Who This Affects Most - **Construction:** The ability of these drones to fit in small spaces and lift heavy objects has the potential to disrupt the construction industry by increasing safety and efficiency. - **Logistics:** The FlyCroTug drones can be used for moving cargo in tight spaces, such as inside warehouses or transporting goods between ships and ports. - **Mining:** The small size and heavy lifting capabilities of these drones could be beneficial for inspecting and lifting heavy objects in tight spaces such as mines. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Autonomous Cargo Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-drones.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Logistical Heavy-Duty Delivery Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-flycart-100.md) - [Bug-Like Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-insect-robot.md) - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Hazardous Weather-Ready Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tf-g1.md) - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [Self-Stabilizing Photography Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-x1-selfflying-camera.md) - [Heavy-Lifting Unmanned Helicopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heavylifting-unmanned-helicopter.md)