Researchers in China have developed a remarkably small drone, comparable in size to a mosquito, sparking interest in its potential military applications. This micro drone was created by a robotics laboratory at the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) in Hunan province. These compact drones offer possibilities that could revolutionize various sectors due to their unique capabilities, beyond just military and defense applications. The drone, as demonstrated on CCTV, features flapping wings and legs and is designed for covert operations. A student at NUDT showcased the drone, highlighting its suitability for reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield. The drone, approximately 1.3 centimeters long, is controlled via smartphone and is equipped with leaf-like structures on its wings and hair-thin legs. Micro-drones could be used for clandestine military operations, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue efforts. They can also be fitted with sensors to measure environmental conditions. However, they face limitations such as payload capacity and short flight times, but advancements in battery life, sensor technology, and AI are expected to improve microdrones significantly.
