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Mint
4 days ago
- Science
- Mint
China's tiny mosquito-like drone may sneak into homes for 'special missions'
China has unveiled a miniature drone that closely resembles a mosquito, raising global concerns about its potential use in surveillance and harmful missions. According to report by The Sun, the tiny device has two yellow, leaf-like wings, a slim black body, and three thin legs. A video released by state media over the weekend shows scientists presenting the insect-shaped robot, which they say is designed for a mix of "military and civilian activities". Defence researcher Timothy Heath warned that such drones could also fall into the wrong hands. He cautioned that "criminals could... steal personal information, like passwords" using these devices. Futurist Tracey Follows, who previously worked with Google, added to the concerns, suggesting that the drones could potentially be armed with dangerous materials. 'It's possible they might carry deadly viruses or other harmful materials,' she said. Follows also raised the alarm that the devices may one day operate autonomously, 'without needing human control'. Security experts have flagged serious risks linked to the mosquito drone. They say the machine could be used to eavesdrop on private conversations, track individuals, or harvest sensitive data. There are also concerns that such technology could be misused by criminals for hacking or spying. The drone has drawn comparisons to an episode of the popular sci-fi series Black Mirror. In the episode titled Hated in the Nation, robotic bees created for pollination are hijacked and turned into deadly weapons. While it may appear harmless, experts warn that this small flying machine could become one of the most threatening technologies buzzing through modern homes.
Time of India
4 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.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
‘Spy mosquito': China reveals terrifying mosquito-sized drone for ‘special missions'
A tiny drone that looks like a mosquito has been revealed by China. It's built to fly quietly and secretly, causing concern that it could be used for spying or dangerous missions. The tiny drone has yellow wings like leaves, a thin black body, and three wiry legs, making it look just like a real insect.(Screengrab X/@RafaMorgan64) According to a report in The Sun, the drone has two yellow wings like leaves, a thin black body, and three wiry legs. In a video published by state media over the weekend, scientists are seen holding up the mosquito-like robot which they say will perform a range of military and civilian activities. Timothy Heath, a defence researcher, warned that criminals could also use such devices to steal personal information, like passwords. Also Read: Video: Chinese student walks home with bags on bamboo pole after crucial exam, impresses internet Tracey Follows, a futurist who once worked with Google, warned the drones could be fitted with dangerous items. She said it's possible they might carry deadly viruses or other harmful materials. These drones could one day act without needing human control, which adds to the risk. Spying and hacking fears: Security experts have raised serious concerns. They believe such drones could be used to listen to conversations, track people, or even steal passwords. Some fear that criminals might use the technology for hacking or spying on private lives. Reminds people of Black Mirror: Many people have compared this real-life drone to an episode of the sci-fi show Black Mirror, where robot bees were hijacked to kill people. The show, Hated in the Nation, imagined a future where pollination robots turned into deadly weapons. Also Read: Chinese woman stabbed 22 times in violent ambush, breast implants deflect fatal blows Experts say it may look like a harmless insect, but this drone could soon be the most dangerous thing buzzing around your home.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- The Irish Sun
China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes
CHINA has unveiled a horrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for covert missions and spying. The spindly Advertisement 3 China has unveiled a tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone 3 Experts warn it will be used for spying missions 3 In a video published by state media over the weekend, scientists are seen holding up the moquito-like robot which they say will perform a range of military and civilian activities. But experts warn the drone's miniature size will mean it can easily and covertly access private indoor areas and listen in on people's conversations. The eerie device has two yellow, leaf-like wings, a black thin body and three wiry legs. Experts have warned the size of the drone means it will be much quieter than traditional models . Advertisement Read more on World This could mean greater access to restricted areas such as "secure government facilities". Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown's Centre for Security and Emerging Technology told "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." 'These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations." Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Breaking Latest In addition to posing a security threat, microdrones like these could also wound up being adopted for personal interests. Timothy Heath, a senior defence researcher in the US, cautioned these tiny devices could even be exploited by criminals trying to gain access to people's passwords. Moment Israel DOWNS Iranian drone over Syria This comes as it Tracey Follows, an ex-Google futurist, warned they could even carry deadly pathogens and be used to spy on the UK. Advertisement And it is a prediction which is a chilling echo of the Black Mirror episode "Hated in the Nation". The near future sci-fi show envisioned of world where robot bees designed to pollinate flowers could be hijacked to commit murder. The Future of You author previously told The Sun: 'In time, one expects a drone to have the situational awareness to carry out an attack autonomously without a human in the loop. 'The big question is what's the payload on these drones, what are you actually attaching to the drone? Advertisement 'Increasingly, over the last four or five years, I've been reading about viruses and how you can potentially attach a pathogen to these sorts of weapons. 'So not only can you identify somebody personally, you can then attack them with a virus, for example.' Terrifyingly, she warned it could open the door for rogue nations like Russia to assassinate targets on UK soil without leaving a trace. Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms by James Moules, Foreign News Reporter A NEW Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets could take to the skies within days. This unmanned "drone mother ship" is expected to take off for its first mission as part of a terrifying drive to boost the Chinese air force's combat capabilities. Named Jiu Tian - meaning "nine heavens" - this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) would add to China's ability to "swarm" enemies. This tactic involves releasing vast swarms of drones that work together to overwhelm enemy air defence systems. A video widely circulated on X shows a visualisation of the aircraft's capabilities - demonstrating its ability to release vast swarms of deadly drones. China's state broadcaster CCTV confirmed its inaugural mission on Monday. The jet-powered drone will start by undergoing a series of tests before it is fully deployed by the Chinese air force. Boasting a carrying capacity of up to six tonnes of ammunition and small-sized drones, the UAV has a maximum range of 4,350 miles and altitude of 50,000 feet. Swarms of drones, including kamikaze UAVs, can be released from both sides of the aircraft's belly. Terrifyingly, it is reportedly able to fly above many medium-range defence systems currently deployed around the world.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
China unveils tiny terrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for spying & ‘special missions' as they sneak into homes
CHINA has unveiled a horrifying mosquito-sized drone to be used for covert missions and spying. The spindly device looks scarily akin to the blood-sucking insect - making it a valuable tool for secret information gathering. 3 3 In a video published by state media over the weekend, scientists are seen holding up the moquito-like robot which they say will perform a range of military and civilian activities. But experts warn the drone's miniature size will mean it can easily and covertly access private indoor areas and listen in on people's conversations. The eerie device has two yellow, leaf-like wings, a black thin body and three wiry legs. Experts have warned the size of the drone means it will be much quieter than traditional models. This could mean greater access to restricted areas such as "secure government facilities". Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown's Centre for Security and Emerging Technology told The Telegraph: '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." 'These drones could be used to track individuals or listen in on conversations." In addition to posing a security threat, microdrones like these could also wound up being adopted for personal interests. Timothy Heath, a senior defence researcher in the US, cautioned these tiny devices could even be exploited by criminals trying to gain access to people's passwords. Moment Israel DOWNS Iranian drone over Syria This comes as it was revealed killer camouflage drones the size of insects could be used by Russia and China to commit untraceable murders. Tracey Follows, an ex-Google futurist, warned they could even carry deadly pathogens and be used to spy on the UK. And it is a prediction which is a chilling echo of the Black Mirror episode "Hated in the Nation". The near future sci-fi show envisioned of world where robot bees designed to pollinate flowers could be hijacked to commit murder. The Future of You author previously told The Sun: 'In time, one expects a drone to have the situational awareness to carry out an attack autonomously without a human in the loop. 'The big question is what's the payload on these drones, what are you actually attaching to the drone? 'Increasingly, over the last four or five years, I've been reading about viruses and how you can potentially attach a pathogen to these sorts of weapons. 'So not only can you identify somebody personally, you can then attack them with a virus, for example.' Terrifyingly, she warned it could open the door for rogue nations like Russia to assassinate targets on UK soil without leaving a trace. Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms by James Moules, Foreign News Reporter A NEW Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets could take to the skies within days. This unmanned "drone mother ship" is expected to take off for its first mission as part of a terrifying drive to boost the Chinese air force's combat capabilities. Named Jiu Tian - meaning "nine heavens" - this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) would add to China's ability to "swarm" enemies. This tactic involves releasing vast swarms of drones that work together to overwhelm enemy air defence systems. A video widely circulated on X shows a visualisation of the aircraft's capabilities - demonstrating its ability to release vast swarms of deadly drones. China's state broadcaster CCTV confirmed its inaugural mission on Monday. The jet-powered drone will start by undergoing a series of tests before it is fully deployed by the Chinese air force. Boasting a carrying capacity of up to six tonnes of ammunition and small-sized drones, the UAV has a maximum range of 4,350 miles and altitude of 50,000 feet. Swarms of drones, including kamikaze UAVs, can be released from both sides of the aircraft's belly. Terrifyingly, it is reportedly able to fly above many medium-range defence systems currently deployed around the world.
