Microbot Flies As Fast As a Bumblebee Thanks to New AI

Imagine swarms of tiny robots assisting in search and rescue after a disaster, navigating through collapsed buildings to find survivors. Like insects, these aerial microrobots could squeeze into spaces inaccessible to larger machines, all while avoiding falling debris.

Previously, these microbots have been limited by slow speeds and clumsy movements compared to their biological counterparts. But now, researchers at MIT have created aerial microrobots that mimic the speed and agility of real insects.

The team developed a new AI-based controller that allows the robot to perform complex maneuvers, including continuous flips. This two-part control system balances high performance with efficient computing. The result? A 450% increase in speed and a 250% increase in acceleration compared to the team's previous models.

This nimble robot even managed ten consecutive somersaults in just 11 seconds, holding its course despite wind gusts. According to the researchers, the goal is to deploy these robots in environments where traditional drones struggle, areas insects can easily navigate. With this new bio-inspired control system, the robot's flight capabilities now rival those of insects in speed, acceleration, and angle control.