China unveils tiny spy drone that looks like a mosquito
A Chinese defence research institution has revealed a spy drone that closely resembles a mosquito.
The bionic microdrone was showcased on China's state-run military broadcaster, CCTV-7, on June 20.
'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.
About 2 cm long and weighing just 0.3 grams, the insect-inspired device features two tiny wings and three spindly legs.
The wings can flap at 500 times per second, according to a Korean newspaper, Chosun Ilbo.
The stick-thin body is packed with sensors intended for covert surveillance and other military operations.
The team also introduced a prototype with four wings controllable by a smartphone, according to the South China Morning Post.
While the report did not reveal exactly what sort of data it can collect, experts say, its minuscule size would make it difficult to detect using conventional radar systems.
Microdrones on trend
Microdrones like these are becoming increasingly common in modern warfare.
Several countries are actively exploring or already deploying similar technologies in the field.
For example, Norway's palm-sized helicopter-style micro-UAV, dubbed Black Hornet, is already in use by multiple armed forces, including the US military.
The pocket-sized drone uses cameras and thermal imaging for quick, stealthy reconnaissance.
In 2006, the US Department of Defence's secretive DARPA lab launched a project named Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (HI-MEMS) to create 'insect cyborgs' by placing micro-mechanical systems inside the insects.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LeMonde
11 hours ago
- LeMonde
In China, coins and banknotes have all but disappeared
You have to get up early if you have any hope of spotting them, and you must stay alert to identify them in the aisles. At the Xinmin fresh produce and vegetable market, located in the heart of Beijing just North of the 2 nd Ring Road, the oldest customers are now the last to keep using coins and banknotes, which are vanishing from the rest of Chinese society. The world's second-largest economy has undergone rapid digitization, and all daily transactions – from supermarkets to cafés, taxis to public transportation – are now made with one of two apps that have become vital to life in China: WeChat or Alipay. Their green and blue logos are displayed at every payment point, and many businesses no longer even keep a traditional cash register, but instead simply scan the QR code presented by the customer. Many taxis refuse cash payments, as do many neighborhood grocery stores, which often do not have the change to give back in any case. Ma Dian, a fruit and vegetable vendor from Hubei who works at this covered market in the capital, observed that the trend surged abruptly over the past decade, becoming what he calls a "radical change." "I still accept cash only to help the very elderly. Below the age of 80, almost everyone has switched; above that, it's much harder to adapt," he said while promoting his Dalian blueberries.
Euronews
a day ago
- Euronews
German official urges Apple and Google to ban AI company DeepSeek
A German data protection official has accused the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company DeepSeek of illegally transferring user data to China. Meike Kamp, Berlin's commissioner for data protection and freedom of information, reported DeepSeek to Apple and Google and asked the American companies to remove DeepSeek from their app stores. In a statement released on Friday, Kamp said DeepSeek did not provide 'convincing evidence' that users' data was protected, as is required by European Union law. 'DeepSeek's transfer of user data to China is unlawful,' Kamp said, adding that 'Chinese authorities have far-reaching access rights to personal data within the sphere of influence of Chinese companies'. 'Furthermore, DeepSeek users in China do not have the enforceable rights and effective legal remedies guaranteed in the European Union,' Kamp said. She said that Apple and Google must now review the report and decide whether to remove the app. Kamp said that her office had asked DeepSeek to either comply with EU laws for transferring data outside the bloc or pull its app from Germany, but that DeepSeek has not taken either option. Under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), companies are banned from sending data outside the region unless specific safeguards are in place in the countries where the data is sent. DeepSeek made waves in January when it launched its AI model, claiming it was created at a fraction of the cost of competitors. But studies have shown there are concerns over cybersecurity and safety, including DeepSeek-R1's susceptibility to generating harmful and biased content. As it is a China-based company, the country's law states that any data shared on mobile and web apps can be accessed by Chinese intelligence agencies, which is also generating national security fears. Italy banned DeepSeek from its app stores in January, citing data protection concerns. The country's data protection authority ordered a block on Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence – the Chinese companies behind the DeepSeek chatbot – to force them to stop processing Italians' data. The move comes after DeepSeek reportedly told the Italian authorities that it would not cooperate with a request for information.
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Sustainability Times
'China Stuns the World Again': New 2.47kW Portable Laser Works in Arctic Cold and Blistering Saharan Heat
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Chinese scientists have developed a portable laser weapon that operates in extreme temperatures, ranging from -58°F to 122°F. have developed a portable laser weapon that operates in extreme temperatures, ranging from -58°F to 122°F. 🚀 The laser boasts a power of 2.47 kilowatts and can disable drones or cut through materials from over 0.62 miles away. and can disable drones or cut through materials from over 0.62 miles away. 🎯 This innovation is significant for both military and industrial applications , offering precise cutting and anti-drone capabilities. , offering precise cutting and anti-drone capabilities. 🌐 With China's control over ytterbium supplies, the country holds a strategic advantage in advancing laser technologies. In a groundbreaking development, Chinese scientists have unveiled a revolutionary laser technology that promises to change the landscape of both military and industrial applications. Designed by China's National University of Defence Technology, this portable laser weapon boasts a power of 2.47 kilowatts and can function under extreme temperature conditions ranging from -58°F to 122°F. This technological marvel is not just about power; it's about adaptability, offering unprecedented flexibility by eliminating the need for traditional cooling or heating systems. As the world witnesses this innovation, questions arise about its future implications and potential uses. 2kW Laser Works Anywhere, Anytime The new laser technology from China represents a significant leap forward in laser design and functionality. At the heart of this innovation is a novel pump laser design that naturally generates less heat, effectively reducing the need for bulky cooling systems. These pump lasers inject energy into the laser-generating fiber using smart light injection techniques. This involves nine forward and eighteen backward diodes that direct light in multiple directions, ensuring that the system remains balanced and efficient even when experiencing drastic temperature changes. Thermal isolation is another crucial aspect of this technology. By relocating heat-sensitive components away from the core laser cavity, the system maintains its integrity under extreme conditions. Tight fiber cooling, maintained to a diameter of approximately 3.15 inches, helps suppress parasitic modes that could otherwise waste energy or destabilize the laser beam. The use of a ytterbium-doped fiber core, a rare earth metal abundant in China, enhances the laser's ability to operate across a wide temperature range while converting energy into laser light with remarkable efficiency. 'China Leaves West in the Dust': Its Small Nuclear Reactor Leap Puts Beijing Years Ahead in the Future of Clean Energy Military and Industrial Applications The implications of this new laser technology are profound, especially in the military sector. Unlike traditional militarized laser systems, which require large infrastructure for cooling, China's portable laser can fit into a suitcase, making it ideal for mobile units, drones, or battlefield operations. This portability offers a significant tactical advantage, allowing for rapid deployment and versatility in various combat scenarios. Beyond military uses, the laser's potential in industrial applications is equally promising. Industries that rely on precision cutting and welding could benefit immensely from this technology. Additionally, the laser's anti-drone capabilities could be leveraged in factory settings or remote sites where climate control is challenging. The ability to operate in extreme temperatures without additional cooling systems makes it a valuable tool for various sectors. 'This China's EV Range Shocks World': 1,300 Miles on One Charge With Record-Smashing 47% Thermal Efficiency Revealed Leveraging China's Ytterbium Supply China's dominance in the global supply of ytterbium gives it a strategic advantage in developing and deploying this cutting-edge technology. Ytterbium's properties make it an ideal component for lasers, allowing for efficient energy conversion and robust performance across varied environmental conditions. With a stronghold on this critical resource, China is poised to lead in the advancement of laser technologies, potentially setting the standard for future developments. Looking ahead, the development team, led by Chen Jinbao, is focused on enhancing the laser's power output, broadening its operating temperature range, and refining its engineering to make the device even more compact and resilient. As they continue their research, the potential for this technology to become a staple in both military and industrial arsenals grows. 'China Is Already There': Shocking Lunar Strategy Exposes How Beijing Plans to Dominate Space and Rewire Global Power Structures Future Prospects and Challenges The introduction of this portable laser technology opens up a world of possibilities, yet it also presents challenges that need to be addressed. As other nations observe China's advancements, there will likely be a push to develop competing technologies. This could lead to an arms race in laser technology, with implications for global security and industrial competitiveness. Furthermore, the ethical considerations surrounding the use of such powerful weapons in military contexts cannot be ignored. As this technology continues to evolve, it raises important questions about its long-term impact on global industries and military strategies. How will countries respond to this leap in technology? Will it prompt new regulations or international agreements? As we ponder these questions, one thing is certain: the future of laser technology is bright, and its potential is vast. What role will this innovation play in shaping the world of tomorrow? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
