Extra Credit

ROBODIPTERA

Many people are convinced that there are swarms of tiny flying robots which fly around surveying the world. Although they are not completely accurate in their theories, it is true that small robotic flies are currently being launched up into the air. Just last week, Science by Robert Wood reported the successful flight of the smallest hovering robots. The robots are the size of crane flies; however, unlike most other small robots, these robots must flap their wings in order to fly. These flies also on have one pair of wings. These flying robots were created to pollinate crops; however, the military has taken an interest in them because they are potentially helpful for search, rescue, and spying. The flies were made using smart composite microstructures. SCM uses lasers to cut shapes of thin material and them together. The wings are powered by electric artificial muscles. They cannot fly perfectly, but they are very good at hovering and performing simple maneuvers (turning and hovering in circles). Scientists will soon inject a chip to prevent them from breaking down and hopefully giving them the ability to fly longer. Scientists are working on improving the stability of these flying robots; soon enough, these "flies" will be able to fly around outdoors against extreme weather conditions.

This article is extremely interesting to me. The idea that tiny little robots disguised as insects could potentially be flying around the world, retrieving information to help better society, is so incredible. These miniature robotic flies have the ability to improve investigations, miliatary based issues, and world wide observations. I think this is a genius idea and I am very intrigued and interested to read more about it.


http://news.discovery.com/tech/robotics/tiny-robo-fly-micro-energy-buzz-130502.htm