The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has signed a new developing in the field of artificial pollination. Inspired by honey bees, robot bees, which are lighter than a gram, can perform uninterrupted flights up to 1000 seconds thanks to the redesigned wing system. This time represents the capacity to stay 100 times longer than the previous versions.

Microobots that work with artificial muscles will shape the future of agriculture

The most important change made by the research team in the new design was to reduce the number of wings from eight to four. This radical change not only increased the flight time of robots, but also improved the maneuverability capabilities. These microobots, which can speed up to 30 cm per second, can successfully perform complex movements, such as being able to roller and eternity in the air.

The new generation of robot bees has a specially designed artificial muscular system. This system, which consists of elastomer layers placed between carbon nanotup electrodes, produces the mechanical force that allows the wings to be whipped. The compact design of 4 cm x 4 cm can better manage the stress caused by wing movements thanks to longer hinges.

This technological breakthrough is of great importance, especially considering the dramatic decrease in the global bee population. Recent research shows that the US commercial beekeepers suffered losses exceeding 50 percent in bee colonies and caused economic damage over $ 139 million. Robot bees may provide an alternative to this problem by providing artificial pollination solution, especially in vertical agricultural practices in indoor environments.

The MIT team has set more ambitious goals in the future stages of the project. It is planned to increase the flight time to 10,000 seconds, battery and sensor integration into the area earned from the wing system, and developing sensitive landing on flowers. These enhancements will enable the use of robot bees in vertical farms and wide agricultural areas.