Kathrine Frich
New chips make it possible to control the bees.
New chips make it possible to control the bees.
China Develops Brain Chip to Control Bees
Chinese scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking brain chip so light it can be mounted on live bees, effectively allowing humans to control their flight.
The potential military and intelligence applications of this innovation are already raising eyebrows worldwide.
The World’s Lightest Insect Brain Controller
Developed by the Beijing Institute of Technology, the chip weighs just 74 milligrams, lighter than the nectar sacs bees naturally carry.
It’s printed on a polymer sheet and connects directly to the bee’s brain, allowing researchers to send commands via electrical impulses.
Cyberbees Could Assist in Military and Crisis Zones
The research team, led by Professor Zhao Jieliang, says these “cyberbees” could be deployed in a range of operations.
They could be used for anything from search and rescue missions after disasters to urban warfare reconnaissance and counterterrorism efforts.
Bees Obeyed Commands 90% of the Time
In early trials, bees outfitted with the chip followed movement commands with 90% accuracy.
Scientists say this proves their system can reliably direct swarms of insects with surprising precision, something previous attempts elsewhere had failed to achieve.
A Step Ahead of Other Countries
Past experiments, like those conducted in Singapore, struggled due to bulkier hardware.
China’s ultra-light design avoids those limitations, making its technology more efficient, stealthier, and far more adaptable to real-world conditions.
Bees as Natural Robots
“Robots based on real insects inherit the superior mobility, camouflage, and adaptability of their biological hosts,” wrote the team in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering.
This makes bees a powerful tool in tight or complex environments where machines would struggle.
The New Face of Covert Surveillance
Compared to drones or synthetic robots, bees offer natural stealth, are less likely to draw attention, and can remain in operation for longer without recharging.
They are absolutely ideal for covert spying in hostile urban environments or border zones.
A Technical Challenge Remains
Despite early success, scientists acknowledge a major hurdle: how to power the chip for long periods.
Currently, the system relies on short-term energy solutions, but the team hopes future versions will include self-sustaining power sources.
Military Swarms Could Soon Be a Reality
While still in the early stages, China’s “cyberbee” technology could soon form the backbone of next-gen swarming tactics, using bio-augmented insects for everything from surveillance to disrupting enemy communications.
Ethical Questions on the Horizon
The rise of insect-controlled tech raises pressing concerns about bioethics, surveillance overreach, and weaponizing nature.
As these systems develop further, expect global debate around regulation, military use, and the line between science and science fiction.
