Explore Topics:
AIBiotechnologyRoboticsComputingFutureScienceSpaceEnergyTech
Robotics

The Remote Controlled Hummingbird Robot From Chiba (Video)

Aaron Saenz
Mar 02, 2010
hummingbird-flower

Share

hummingbird robot

Professor Liu at Chiba University has created a 2.6g robot that flies like a hummingbird.

Why just build robots in our own image, when there are millions of other animals to translate into machinery? The latest robot out of Chiba University in Japan can bob and weave like a hummingbird, and only weighs 2.6 grams (0.09 oz). Controlled via IR sensor, the robot can fly for about 6 minutes and up to 10 meters above the ground. Chiba's hummingbird bot is the brainchild of Professor H. Liu who plans on getting it to hover directly in place (just like it's namesake) very soon. While the robot only contains a micromotor, carbon fiber frame, and plastic wings for now, Liu wants to include a microcamera by 2011. This addition will allows the device to carry out search missions during emergencies. Check out the video from Diagonal Views below to see how Chiba's hummingbird is a cool example of how engineers are learning from biology to create some amazing new robots.

We've seen plenty of animal inspired bots climbing walls, skittering on floors, and jumping off buildings. There's even a competing robotic hummingbird project funded by DARPA in the US. Chiba University is at the lead of the trend, however, by getting its robot to fly unaided, even if just for a few minutes at a time. They've also pushed the envelope on getting the robot to be lightweight (2.6 grams is much less mass than the US version). However, I think they need to go back to the drawing board when it comes to naming the little bot. With four wings, I'm pretty sure this thing is more like a dragonfly than a hummingbird. In any case it's cool to watch in action.

Be Part of the Future

Sign up to receive top stories about groundbreaking technologies and visionary thinkers from SingularityHub.

100% Free. No Spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Biomimetics (aka biomimicry) is a powerful tool for getting robots to exceed at tasks that living creatures have already conquered. I wonder though, if the future lies in robots that mimic life or in life that is infused with robotics. We've seen how cyborg insects have been outfitted with electronic controls to serve as spies. It will be interesting to see which project can field an autonomous flying platform with a camera first. Either way you should expect to see tiny eyes take to the skies fairly soon. After all, machines and biology may be learning to work together, but it's still human curiosity that is deciding what that work will be.

[image credit: Washington Times]

Related Articles

Mitochondria (gold) surrounding cell nuclei (blue) in cow cells.

Scientists Target Incurable Mitochondrial Diseases With New Gene Editing Tools

Shelly Fan
An autonomous drone, called SUPER, from the University of Hong Kong hovers in the air

This Autonomous Drone Can Track Humans Through Dense Forests at High Speed

Edd Gent
Mice climb on a plant.

Mice With Two Dads Reach Adulthood Thanks to CRISPR

Shelly Fan
Mitochondria (gold) surrounding cell nuclei (blue) in cow cells.
Biotechnology

Scientists Target Incurable Mitochondrial Diseases With New Gene Editing Tools

Shelly Fan
An autonomous drone, called SUPER, from the University of Hong Kong hovers in the air
Robotics

This Autonomous Drone Can Track Humans Through Dense Forests at High Speed

Edd Gent
Mice climb on a plant.
Biotechnology

Mice With Two Dads Reach Adulthood Thanks to CRISPR

Shelly Fan

What we’re reading

Be Part of the Future

Sign up to receive top stories about groundbreaking technologies and visionary thinkers from SingularityHub.

100% Free. No Spam. Unsubscribe any time.

SingularityHub chronicles the technological frontier with coverage of the breakthroughs, players, and issues shaping the future.

Follow Us On Social

About

  • About Hub
  • About Singularity

Get in Touch

  • Contact Us
  • Pitch Us
  • Brand Partnerships

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 2025 Singularity