Breakthrough in robotics: scientists have created insect drones that can fly 100 times longer than previous generations

MIT scientists are developing robotic insect drones that can fly 100 times longer than previous prototypes. Experts call it a breakthrough in robotics.

The metal insects will be able to swarm from mechanical hives and pollinate at a fast pace, providing an unprecedented level of fruit and vegetable cultivation. The new technology can significantly increase yields without harming the environment, LiveScience writes.

The idea of using mechanized insects is not new, but the problem with previous generations of mini-robots was that they lacked the stamina, speed, and versatility in the air compared to bees and other real insects, experts say.

According to the scientists, the new designs can fly 100 times longer than previous versions, but they are lighter and contain enough batteries. The developers also added that the accuracy and dexterity of the robots have improved, and the load on the bends of their wings has decreased.

The team of scientists also created complex signals that connect the wings to devices in the structure, replicating "muscles". These signals, called transmissions, required some adjustments to the size of the wings, but overall they could reduce the stress that hindered the endurance of previous versions.

Kevin Chen, one of the lead developers, an assistant professor of robotics at MIT, emphasized that the insect robot design is not yet final and that he and his colleagues will continue to work to improve the design.

For example, the wings are controlled by a very complex set of muscles. Experts want to integrate this level of fine-tuning in the future along with the integration of sensors, batteries, and even computing capabilities into this bot over the next five years.

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