By Spooky, June 25th 2025 Category: Tech.
Scientists from the National University of Defence Technology in Hunan Province, central China recently unveiled an insect-like drone that is suitable for surveillance and recon missions.
The tiny drone was revealed to the public on CCTV 7 (China Central Television’s military channel), and featured flapping wings with hair-thin legs. It is almost impossible to distinguish from real insects. Their small size allows them to blend in with any environment and access virtually any space. Many believe that the Chinese government could use it for surveillance, despite its primary marketing as a tool for military reconnaissance missions.
CCTV7 showcased a drone that measured only 1.3 cm and could be easily controlled by a smartphone. It had three tiny legs and leaf-like wings. It was also much quieter than normal drones. Their creators claim that they are virtually impossible to detect, and can perform a wide range of functions. From accessing hard to reach spaces in the event of disasters to monitoring air quality using attached sensors.
These tiny drones, which look like mosquitos, have some obvious limitations. The reduced size of these drones is a great feature, but also a weakness, since the battery life and number and weight sensors and other accessories are severely limited.
