China unveils a mosquito-shaped surveillance drone, highlighting a growing global trend of miniaturized drones for military and covert operations.
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| Chinese researchers unveil a miniature mosquito-like surveillance drone, joining the global push for insect-inspired robotics in military and environmental uses. Image Courtesy: SCMP |
Hunan, China – June 29, 2025:
Chinese military researchers have developed a miniature mosquito-shaped surveillance drone, adding a new dimension to the global race in insect-inspired robotics for defense and intelligence purposes. According to a report by the British Daily Independent, the innovation was unveiled by scientists at the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in Hunan Province, China.
This lightweight bionic drone mimics the appearance of a mosquito, featuring hair-thin legs and two flapping wings, and is operable via smartphone. In an interview aired on Chinese military broadcaster CCTV-7, NUDT student Liang Hexiang showcased the device, stating, “This robot in my hand looks like a mosquito. This miniature bionic robot is particularly useful in surveillance and military operations.”
The drone is part of an expanding field of miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed for covert operations, a trend gaining momentum not just in China, but across global military and research institutions.
In the United States, similar advancements are underway. Earlier this year, Harvard University’s Microrobotics Lab introduced Robobi, a tiny drone modeled after a mosquito-like crane fly. Robobi can both fly and land with stability, making it suitable for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and even future artificial pollination. “Robobi is a great platform to work with biology and robotics,” said Harvard researcher Alyssa Hernandez.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army has already adopted Norwegian-made ‘Black Hornet’ drones for on-field surveillance. These pocket-sized drones come equipped with thermal imaging cameras and are praised for their portability and discretion.
The concept of insect-inspired robotics has been explored by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) since as early as 2006. Their research includes hybrid drones that integrate electronic components into living insects, allowing for remote control through external devices. In some prototypes, insects like cockroaches have been fitted with neural stimulators, making them part of a potential new wave of bio-cyber surveillance tools.
As military forces and research institutions continue to invest in biomimetic microdrones, these technologies are shaping the future of surveillance, reconnaissance, and even non-combat applications like environmental assessment. While the ethical implications remain under debate, the technological race shows no signs of slowing.