Spy Fly on the Wall --Robotics World

Tiny Spy Fly

Fake Fly Will Be Spy In The Sky

A spy in the sky not much bigger than a fly has been developed by a top American university.

Scientists at Harvard have invented a robotic fly to send on reconnaissance missions in areas too dangerous for humans, such as those contaminated by chemical or biological weapons. It can also be used to find hidden bombs and in search missions. The "flybot", which can fit on a fingertip, is made of lightweight carbon and weighs less than a pin. Researchers, led by Professor Robert Wood, spent seven years on the project with the backing of the US military. "The real benefit of the fly is that from a military aspect, you probably wouldn't be able to notice it," said Prof Wood.

Recreating a fly's efficient movements in a robot roughly the size of the real insect was difficult because existing manufacturing processes could not be used to make the sturdy, lightweight parts required. The motors, bearings, and joints typically used for large-scale robots would not work for something the size of a fly. Ultimately, the team developed its own fabrication process, and using laser micromachining, researchers cut thin sheets of carbon fibre and polymer. But while the two-winged device can now take to the air using the same motions as a real fly, the team has yet to work out how to control it in flight.

SO WATCH OUT SPY FLY!!!!!

The world's first autonomously-controlled robotic fish are the latest attraction at the London Aquarium. The new designs can avoid objects, react to their environment and swim around a specially designed tank entirely of their own accord.

Life-like robots of the deep

Biologically-inspired to mimic the sinuous movement of real fish, the robots swim at the same speed as tuna, have the acceleration of a pike and the navigation skills of an eel. Professor Huosheng Hu and his team of scientists at the University of Essex worked with the London Aquarium for three years to develop the brightly-jewelled cyberfish. Professor Hu hopes that bringing the public into direct contact with robots will increase their understanding of science and technology.

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