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Time of India
21 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
China unveils mosquito-sized spy drone designed for covert military operations
Source: X China has introduced a drone as small as a mosquito, marking a significant step forward in surveillance and covert technology. Developed by scientists at the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in Hunan province, the micro aerial vehicle is engineered to mimic a mosquito's form, with leaf-like wings, thin legs, and a vertical black fuselage. Demonstration footage aired on Chinese state broadcaster CCTV shows the device perching lightly on a student's fingertip, underscoring its diminutive size and potential stealth. In the video, Liang Hexiang, an NUDT student involved in the project, describes it as a 'mosquito-like robot type' suitable for battlefield reconnaissance and special tasks. What the drone actually is The drone measures around 1–2 cm in length, weighing approximately 0.3 grams. It has two transparent wings that flap in a motion resembling insect flight, and three slender legs enhancing its mosquito-like appearance. Its design allows it to rest on human skin or fingertips, as shown in the demonstration. The drone was developed as part of NUDT's research into micro flapping-wing aerial vehicles, a field with significant military interest due to its potential for discreet surveillance. Technical realities and limitations While headlines have framed the drone as a near-future espionage tool, there are crucial constraints: Battery life: Such micro drones have extremely limited power, often only sufficient for brief indoor flights. Payload limitations: Fitting functional cameras, microphones, or communication interceptors remains a major engineering challenge due to weight and energy constraints. Control stability: Outdoor use is impractical at this stage, as even mild wind can destabilise the drone. Current tests are confined to controlled indoor environments. Speculation about operational use Some reports and online commentary suggest these drones could be deployed in swarms for battlefield saturation or mass espionage. However, there is no evidence that the showcased prototype has been operationally deployed or integrated into swarm systems. China, like the US, is actively researching drone swarm technologies, but these involve larger drones capable of carrying sensors and maintaining stable communication. At present, mosquito-sized drones remain experimental laboratory prototypes rather than field-ready assets. Broader implications Despite its limitations, the mosquito drone highlights a future where surveillance tools will shrink to nearly invisible scales. This raises significant ethical and security concerns: Military reconnaissance: Micro drones could infiltrate areas unreachable by conventional devices. Civilian misuse: There is potential for spying on political leaders, activists, or corporate meetings. Privacy erosion: The ability to gather information without detection challenges current legal and ethical frameworks governing surveillance. Experts warn that as such technologies mature, traditional security systems may be inadequate to detect or defend against micro-scale surveillance, requiring new countermeasures and international norms. The road ahead China's mosquito-sized drone joins global micro aerial vehicle research efforts, such as DARPA's RoboBee in the United States and insect-inspired drones at other Chinese universities. While the current NUDT prototype remains a lab demonstration, it is a glimpse into a future where spycraft, warfare, and intelligence gathering are measured not in missiles and tanks, but in millimetres and milligrams.
Euronews
a day ago
- Science
- Euronews
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.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
What is China's mosquito drone? Capable of capturing images, audio & electronic signals
NEW DELHI: China showcased a miniature, insect-like drone designed for covert surveillance missions, drawing global attention and concern over its potential military and espionage uses. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Developed by the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), the drone is just 1.3 cm long and weighs less than 0.3 grams. It was unveiled on the Chinese military broadcaster CCTV-7 as part of an exhibit on next-generation robotic systems. In a demonstration aired over the weekend, NUDT student researcher Liang Hexiang held up the ultra-light robot and said, 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot. Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield.' The drone, resembling a real mosquito, is equipped with two leaf-shaped wings, a slender black body, and three fine wire-like legs. It can reportedly operate silently and without radar detection, carrying ultra-miniature cameras and microphones to capture images, sounds, and electronic signals. Its small size makes it ideal for indoor surveillance, even inside secure government or military facilities. Representative AI image According to The Defense Post, the device's compact build enables it to evade conventional detection systems and operate in confined spaces — a feature that has raised alarms among privacy advocates and military analysts. Experts warn that such drones could be exploited for espionage, cyber intrusions, or even biological warfare. 'This could mean greater access to restricted areas such as secure government facilities,' noted Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown University's Centre for Security and Emerging Technology. 'If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations.' Other experts are raising more dystopian concerns. Tracey Follows, a futurist and former Google advisor, told The Sun that such drones could be used for 'untraceable murders' or carry pathogens, referencing a Black Mirror episode in which robotic insects were weaponised for targeted killings. 'In time, one expects a drone to have the situational awareness to carry out an attack autonomously without a human in the loop,' she said. 'The big question is what's the payload on these drones, what are you actually attaching to the drone?' The mosquito-sized UAV is part of a broader NUDT programme exploring micro-robotics, with parallel developments including artillery-launched drones that can survive the extreme conditions of being fired from 155mm cannon shells. These innovations reflect China's ambition to lead in micro-UAV technology, a field seeing increasing global competition. Other countries have made strides in this area. Norway's Black Hornet, developed by Teledyne FLIR Defence, is already used by militaries worldwide. The latest version, the Black Hornet 4, won the 2025 Blue UAS Refresh award from the US Department of Defence for advancements in battery life, signal range, and wind resistance. Meanwhile, Harvard University's RoboBee project has demonstrated insect-sized drones that can transition from water to air and even perch on surfaces using static electricity. Beyond military applications, microdrones are being explored for civilian use in medicine, agriculture, and disaster response. In healthcare, they could enable precision drug delivery or internal imaging. In environmental monitoring, their small size allows access to hazardous zones during floods, fires, or chemical spills. Still, with their stealth capabilities and growing autonomy, these tiny machines are poised to become one of the most ethically and strategically complex technologies of the decade.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
China shows a 0.6 cm spy drone that is smaller than your fingertip but can paralyse a large army: Watch video
China has revealed a mosquito-like flying robot designed for stealth missions, triggering global concern about its potential use in surveillance, cybercrime, and even biowarfare. Developed by China's National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), the insect-sized drone was recently featured on CCTV 7, the country's official military channel. Tiny, silent, and built for spying At first glance, the drone looks like a harmless insect, with a black stick-like body, delicate yellow wings shaped like leaves, and three wiry legs. However, behind its small frame lies highly sophisticated military engineering designed for intelligence gathering and covert battlefield operations. In a demonstration on state TV, NUDT student Liang Hexiang held up the robot and said, 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot. Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bargain Prices on Unsold Container Houses in Cebu - Check Them Out! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo — jeanlol67573289 (@jeanlol67573289) Built to fly under the radar The device is designed for stealth. It is small enough to blend into natural environments and hard to detect by traditional security systems. Chinese scientists have packed communication gear, sensors, power units, and control electronics into its insect-sized body. The drone's four-winged version can be controlled by a smartphone and is part of NUDT's wider work in bio-inspired robotics, including human-like machines and insect-scale flyers. Live Events Experts warn of hacking, spying, and biowarfare risks Security researchers have raised red flags. Timothy Heath, a defence expert, said such drones could be used by criminals to steal passwords or sensitive data. Tracey Follows, a futurist who previously worked with Google, warned that future versions could 'carry deadly viruses or other harmful materials,' and might operate autonomously — without human control — making them even harder to regulate. Similar to Black Mirror's killer robots? The drone's design has drawn eerie comparisons to the Black Mirror episode Hated in the Nation, where robotic bees are weaponised to assassinate people. Social media users say the technology may look like a toy, but could turn into one of the most dangerous surveillance tools ever created. China's expanding drone arsenal The mosquito drone is not the only innovation on display. Chinese engineers have also developed artillery-launched UAVs that can survive the extreme pressure of being fired from 155mm cannon shells — withstanding forces up to 3,000 times their body weight. Global race in microdrones China is not alone. Norway's Black Hornet — a palm-sized helicopter-style micro-UAV — is already in use by multiple armed forces. Harvard University's RoboBee can switch from water to air and perch on surfaces. The US Air Force has also confirmed ongoing work on small drones, though it has shared few details. More than just military use While these machines are designed for warzones, experts say their applications could extend to medicine, agriculture, and disaster relief. Researchers are exploring their use in precision surgery, crop monitoring, pollution detection, and entering hazardous sites unreachable by humans. What's next? From spying and hacking to potential biological attacks, the rise of insect-sized drones is no longer science fiction. The line between biology and robotics is quickly blurring — and with it, the rules of modern warfare and surveillance.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
China unveils mosquito-sized stealth operation drone as UK 'prepares for war'
A tiny 2cm-long drone used for 'special missions on the battlefield' has been unveiled by Chinese scientists - while the Prime Minister has warned of how technology could embolden an attack on UK soil China has unveiled a futuristic mosquito-sized drone on the same week the British government warned that rapidly advancing technology is 'transforming the nature of war'. The tiny flying device - developed by the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) in China 's Hunan province - is designed for "covert" military operations, and marks the latest war-ready device shown off by Beijing. Modelled after a mosquito, it has two wings, a black body, and three hair-thin legs, allowing it to carry out "special missions on the battlefield" without being detected. Researchers from the university showed off the gadget this week alongside a host of other robots, including humanoid machines and tiny drones, on state-run media. The mosquito drone is just two centimetres (0.7in) long and 3cm wide (1.18in), weighing less than 0.2 grams. Another prototype of the device, which had four wings, appeared to be controlled via a smartphone. Explaining how it could be deployed in battle, Liang Hexiang, a student at NUDT, told CCTV: 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot. Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield.' China has invested heavily in the use of AI-powered gadgets for military purposes, and plans to introduce the largest drone carrier in the world by the end of this month. The 'drone mothership' will being able to launch huge swarms of 'kamikaze' devices upon enemy targets. It comes after Keir Starmer warned that Britons must prepare for possibility of an attack on our own soil amid high tensions on the international stage. Speaking this week as he unveiled the UK's National Security Strategy, the Prime Minister said: "Russian aggression menaces our continent. Strategic competition is intensifying. Extremist ideologies are on the rise. Technology is transforming the nature of both war and domestic security. Hostile state activity takes place on British soil." One part of the 53-page document, authored by the Government, tells of how "adversaries are laying the foundations for future conflict, positioning themselves to move quickly to cause major disruption to our energy and or supply chains, to deter us from standing up to their aggression. It adds: "For the first time in many years, we have to actively prepare for the possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario." China was identified as a particular potential threat as the country tries to devlope AI capability allowing them to release 'swarms' of drones in an attack. With the right programming these would be extremely difficult to shoot down or disable if they flew in overwhelming numbers, controlled by artificial intelligence responding at lightning speed.
