Japanese Professor Creates Robot Hummingbird

Chiba University’s Biomimetics Professor H. Liu has created a robot version of a hummingbird. Weighing only 2.6 grams (0.09 oz) and controlled by IR sensors, the robot is able to fly for an estimated 6 minutes. It contains a micromotor, carbon fiber frame, and plastic wings which enable it to fly at a maximum altitude of 10 meters Professor H. Liu is working on enabling the robot hover in place, since it is supposed to truly mimic a hummingbird.

Like other robotics projects, it strives to reflect the natural by re-creating it. In terms of real world applications, one can envision the bird being used for search missions in disaster areas or war zones. It can also be used to monitor crime stricken neighborhoods or capture photographs in areas that are hard to reach on foot.

Click the video below to see the machine at work.

[via Singularity Hub]