China just unveiled a terrifying new technology — a microdrone the size of a mosquito. About 2 cm long and weighing just 0.3 grams, the insect-inspired device features two tiny wings and three spindly legs. Its minuscule size would make it difficult to detect using conventional radar systems, experts say.
“Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot,” Liang Hexiang, a student at the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), told the broadcaster.
“Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield,” he added.
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The bionic microdrone was showcased on China’s state-run military broadcaster CCTV-7 on June 20.
What is a microdrone?
Microdrones are small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) typically weighing less than 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds), designed for operations that require compactness, agility, and discretion. These drones can range from the size of a smartphone to something small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Despite their size, microdrones are often equipped with high-resolution cameras, GPS, and sometimes thermal sensors or artificial intelligence software, enabling them to perform complex tasks in confined or difficult-to-access areas.
Originally developed for military and intelligence purposes, microdrones are now used across various sectors. In defense, they provide real-time reconnaissance without exposing personnel to danger. Law enforcement uses them for building surveillance or search-and-rescue missions. In industry, microdrones help inspect infrastructure like pipelines, power lines, or machinery in hazardous environments. Environmental researchers use them to study wildlife or monitor ecosystems without causing disturbance.
Their small size also makes them ideal for consumer use, such as hobby flying, racing, or aerial photography. However, their limited battery life and payload capacity restrict them to short missions. As technology evolves, microdrones are becoming smarter, more durable, and increasingly capable, suggesting they will play an even greater role in fields where agility and discretion are essential.
Types of microdrones
Here’s an overview of common types of microdrones:
1. Quadcopters (Multirotor)
● The most common type of microdrone.
● Four rotors provide vertical takeoff, landing, and stable hovering.
● Ideal for aerial photography, surveillance, and inspection.
● Easy to control and maneuver in tight spaces.
2. Fixed-Wing Microdrones
● Have small wings like airplanes.
● Can cover longer distances and have longer flight times than multirotors.
● Require more space for takeoff and landing.
● Used for mapping, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
3. Hybrid (VTOL) Microdrones
● Combine features of fixed-wing and multirotor drones.
● Can take off and land vertically but also fly efficiently over long distances.
● Useful for missions requiring both endurance and precise hovering.
4. Nano Drones
● Even smaller than microdrones, often insect-sized.
● Used mainly for military reconnaissance and covert surveillance.
● Extremely lightweight and capable of flying indoors or in confined areas.
5. Specialized Microdrones
● Equipped with advanced sensors like thermal cameras, LIDAR, or chemical detectors.
● Used for specific industrial, scientific, or military applications.