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Time of India
a day 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.
Time of India
3 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
3 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.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Science
- New York Post
China unveils eerie mosquito-sized drone designed for stealth military operations
Buzzing into enemy territory. China unveiled a mosquito-sized drone designed for covert military operations and espionage — a development that's raising alarms over the potential consequence of the tech falling into the wrong hands. The miniature device, featuring two leaf-like wings, a black vertical body, and three hair-thin legs, was engineered to mimic the blood-sucking insect by scientists at the National University of Defense Technology in China's Hunan province. 4 The miniature device has two leaf-like wings, a black vertical body, and three hair-thin legs. China NUDT 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot,' said Liang Hexiang, an NUDT student who was holding the tiny drone between his fingers in a video shared by state media last weekend. 'Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield.' He said the hair-raising device is capable of carrying out a wide range of military and civilian missions. The nano-winged drone is equipped with ultra -miniature cameras and microphones to capture images, sounds, and electronic signals — with its tiny size rendering it nearly invisible to the naked eye and capable of flying past conventional radar system undetected. 4 The nano-winged device was designed to mimic the blood-sucking insect. China NUDT Despite the technological leap, experts warned of the serious security risks the drone could pose. '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,' Georgetown research fellow Sam Bresnick told The Telegraph. 'These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations.' 4 Silhouetted figures saluting in front of a Chinese flag. REUTERS Timothy Heath, a senior defense researcher, cautioned that the micro-drone could be exploited by criminals seeking to steal personal information, including passwords, or infiltrate businesses. Heath, however, noted that the device's small size could restrict its operational range and endurance. 'To spy over a long period of time, someone would need to be willing to constantly cycle out microdrones, recharge them, and redeploy them in additional to sifting through the collected data, all within range of the target person or business,' Heath told the outlet. 4 The Jiu Tian is allegedly capable of carrying around 100 drones that can be deployed at cruising altitude. @XH_Lee23/X 'This is why the drone is less useful for battlefields but more useful for special mission operations or espionage missions.' The creepy-crawly new drone emerged just over a month after China released renderings of an aerial mothership designed to launch more than 100 drones and approximately 2,200 pounds of missiles at cruising altitude. The Jiu Tan SS-UAV has a massive 82-foot wingspan and is designed to fly above many of the medium-range defense systems around the globe.
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First Post
6 days ago
- Science
- First Post
What we know about China's mosquito-sized drone that could change warfare
China's National University of Defence Technology has revealed a mosquito-sized drone for covert missions, boasting tiny wings and hair-thin legs. Built for reconnaissance and surveillance, it reflects China's growing military focus on micro-robotics. Globally, similar micro-UAVs are also being developed, with applications ranging from warfare to environmental monitoring and medicine read more The drone was revealed by the National University of Defense Technology in central China's Hunan province. Representational Image/AI-generated via Firstpost A major breakthrough in micro-robotics has emerged from China's National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), where researchers have introduced a drone no larger than a mosquito. Designed primarily for stealth military missions, this micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was showcased on CCTV 7, China's national military television channel. During a televised segment, a student from the institution affiliated with the Central Military Commission displayed the device and explained its intended purpose. '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,' said Liang Hexiang while holding the device between his fingers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ⚡️The Chinese military has shown a microscopic drone the size of a mosquito, — South China Morning Post. The developers believe that such a drone is almost impossible to notice, so it is ideal for reconnaissance, and a small portable device is enough to control it. According… — Moshiach is near (@laaccionex) June 21, 2025 The drone's build includes a slender, stick-like central body, flanked by two small, wing-like extensions shaped like leaves. It also features three extremely thin limbs resembling insect legs, contributing to its biomimetic design. This minuscule UAV is one among several robotic prototypes unveiled by the NUDT, reflecting China's strategic interest in developing next-generation, biologically inspired machines for use in sensitive operational contexts. How China's mosquito-sized drone works This insect-sized flying robot is part of a broader project at NUDT that includes various robotic systems. The exhibition of innovations included not only insect-scale drones but also humanoid robots, indicating a wide spectrum of research and development. One version shown during the broadcast was a four-winged drone model that can be operated using a smartphone, signalling an emphasis on field adaptability and user control. Though tiny in stature, the drone's internal architecture demands highly sophisticated engineering. Essential systems — such as power units, communication hardware, sensor packages and control electronics — must be incorporated into a space no larger than a small insect. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The assembly of these miniature components involves collaborative work across several disciplines, including microsystems engineering, advanced materials science and bio-inspired design. These miniature drones are being crafted to undertake reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering tasks in areas where traditional UAVs might be too large or conspicuous. Their small form factor allows them to blend into the environment, potentially evading detection and functioning as tactical surveillance tools in complex urban or battlefield scenarios. Apart from this project, Chinese engineers have also developed artillery-launched UAVs, which are engineered to survive intense acceleration and force during launch from 155mm cannon shells. These devices can withstand pressures up to 3,000 times their own weight, making them robust enough to be deployed in high-impact settings. How the rest of the world compares While China's mosquito-like robot is drawing attention now, several countries have already been exploring and deploying microdrones in military operations. One of the most prominent examples is Norway's 'Black Hornet,' developed by Teledyne FLIR Defence. This palm-sized, helicopter-style micro-UAV is currently in service with a number of armed forces around the globe. Its compact structure allows soldiers to use it for close-range surveillance while staying out of sight themselves. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The latest version, the Black Hornet 4, has earned accolades for its upgrades. Teledyne FLIR Defence received the 2025 Blue UAS Refresh award from the US Department of Defence, a recognition granted to advanced unmanned systems, reported Interesting Engineering. Improvements in this model include longer battery life, better resistance to harsh weather and wind, and increased communication range — challenges that typically confront designers of small drones. Operated via a small handheld console, the Black Hornet transmits real-time imagery and sensory data, enabling secure situational analysis on the ground. Harvard University has also entered the field with its RoboBee platform. Initially developed by the Wyss Institute, RoboBee shares many characteristics with the mosquito-sized UAV recently revealed in China. Some versions of RoboBee are capable of transitioning from aquatic environments to flight, or perching on surfaces using static electricity. The project aims to produce fully autonomous aerial micro-robots suitable for various applications, from surveillance to environmental assessments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, the US Air Force disclosed in 2021 that it was developing its own version of tiny drones. However, since the initial announcement, there has been little information released regarding the maturity or field deployment of this technology. How drones can be used beyond the military Although current developments in China, the US and Norway display defence-related applications, the potential for microdrones extends well beyond warfare. In the medical sector, micro- and nano-robotics are being investigated for their utility in minimally invasive procedures, diagnostics, and even surgical tasks. Researchers envision that future generations of these devices could navigate the human body to deliver drugs or conduct internal imaging with unprecedented precision. In agriculture, environmental protection, and disaster response, micro-UAVs could be game changers. Their ability to monitor atmospheric pollution, examine crop health, and access hazardous areas following natural disasters opens up new operational avenues for governments, researchers, and emergency services. The convergence of biology, robotics, and advanced computing in this sector is enabling the production of increasingly autonomous and intelligent microbots. Their versatility may revolutionise not just how wars are fought, but how crops are grown, diseases are treated, and ecosystems are monitored. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The future of robotics may not be dominated by large machines but by ones too small to see — hovering in the air, floating in water or even navigating the bloodstream. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
