Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled an aerial microrobot whose flight, in speed, acceleration, and maneuverability, rivals that of real insects like bumblebees, tells MIT News.
The robot, barely larger than a paperclip, uses flapping wings driven by artificial muscles and a sophisticated AI-based control framework. This new controller gives it the ability to perform complex acrobatics, including 10 consecutive somersaults in 11 seconds, even under wind disturbances. Compared with previous versions, the new microrobot exhibits a roughly 450% jump in top speed and 250% improvement in acceleration.
Traditional small flying robots have struggled beyond slow, straight flight paths. This version changes that; its performance in turns, flips, and rapid trajectory shifts brings it closer to biological insects in practicality, not just size.
The team behind the project believes such capabilities could open up real-world applications where larger drones or robots fail: tight or unstable environments, collapsed structures after disasters, narrow tunnels, or areas filled with debris. A swarm of these microrobots might navigate where humans or conventional drones cannot, for search-and-rescue, reconnaissance, or inspection work.
This prototype marks a major milestone in microrobotics. It shows that with clever design, combining soft actuation, bio-inspired mechanics, and real-time control algorithms, it’s possible to build flying robots that aren’t just toys, but tools for challenging real-world tasks.