China’s New Spy Drone Is the Size of a Mosquito

Drones have changed the way the world approaches surveillance and warfare. But now, they’re getting smaller—much smaller.

The newest development? A drone the size of a mosquito. And it’s not coming from a science fiction movie. It’s real. It’s flying. And it’s from China, reports Ziare.

A Drone for Military Use

Researchers at the National University of Defense Technology in Hunan province have built a micro-drone designed for military use.

It has two delicate wings and thin legs, barely thicker than a human hair. The entire drone looks and moves like a real insect.

The device is controlled using a mobile phone app. It’s packed with sensors that help it gather information from places that would normally be hard to reach.

The Chinese team says it’s meant for use in dangerous situations like war zones or special missions where larger drones might be too noticeable.

In the Works in the US

This invention comes as the U.S. continues to develop its own insect-sized robot.

Harvard University’s Microrobotics Lab has been working on the RoboBee, a tiny flying drone inspired by bugs like midges and mosquitoes.

American researchers are looking at ways to use it for environmental work, like monitoring pollution or helping plants pollinate.

Both projects show that technology is moving fast. But there are concerns too.

Experts Warn

Some experts warn these tiny flying machines could be used as weapons. British futurist Tracey Follows says micro-drones might one day carry toxins or small explosives.

If powered by artificial intelligence, they might not even need humans to guide them. The drone could recognize a target on its own and act.

That might sound like science fiction. But as China and the U.S. race to perfect these miniature machines, that future could be closer than we think.

Tiny drones might be used for rescue and research. But in the wrong hands, they could become something much more dangerous.