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Japan creates a hummingbird robot
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A team of Japanese researchers at Chiba University outside of Tokyo, have developed a "hummingbird robot" that flutters freely with the use of an infrared remote control.
The new invention is designed to collect information in emergency situations.
Weighing in at 2.6 grams, the tiny robot has everything it needs to fly a super light micro motor, a battery, infrared ray receiver, carbon fibre frames and gears.
The milky membranes used for its four wings are low in cost, - as researchers turned to plastic shopping bags.
The robot can now fly for 6 minutes and up to 10 meters above ground. The designer said the next steps will be to make it hover like a real hummingbird.
Liu Mao, Mechanicas Professor, Chiba University, said, "The hummingbird is the only species among birds that can hover in the air, so a robotic hummingbird with the same skill can be used to take pictures from various angles."
The robot was designed to be used in emergency situations to access locations too dangerous for humans.
Liu Mao, Mechanicas Professor, Chiba University, said, "A small flying robot equipped with a camera can collect information from areas not accessible to humans, such as sites hit by a disaster or terrorism."
Liu's team expects their robot to hover higher and longer after they upgrade key devices. A micro camera will also be attached to the robot next year.
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