Latest news with #NUDT
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First Post
8 hours ago
- Science
- First Post
What we know about China's mosquito-sized drone that could change warfare
China's National University of Defence Technology has revealed a mosquito-sized drone for covert missions, boasting tiny wings and hair-thin legs. Built for reconnaissance and surveillance, it reflects China's growing military focus on micro-robotics. Globally, similar micro-UAVs are also being developed, with applications ranging from warfare to environmental monitoring and medicine read more The drone was revealed by the National University of Defense Technology in central China's Hunan province. Representational Image/AI-generated via Firstpost A major breakthrough in micro-robotics has emerged from China's National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), where researchers have introduced a drone no larger than a mosquito. Designed primarily for stealth military missions, this micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was showcased on CCTV 7, China's national military television channel. During a televised segment, a student from the institution affiliated with the Central Military Commission displayed the device and explained its intended purpose. 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot. Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield,' said Liang Hexiang while holding the device between his fingers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ⚡️The Chinese military has shown a microscopic drone the size of a mosquito, — South China Morning Post. The developers believe that such a drone is almost impossible to notice, so it is ideal for reconnaissance, and a small portable device is enough to control it. According… — Moshiach is near (@laaccionex) June 21, 2025 The drone's build includes a slender, stick-like central body, flanked by two small, wing-like extensions shaped like leaves. It also features three extremely thin limbs resembling insect legs, contributing to its biomimetic design. This minuscule UAV is one among several robotic prototypes unveiled by the NUDT, reflecting China's strategic interest in developing next-generation, biologically inspired machines for use in sensitive operational contexts. How China's mosquito-sized drone works This insect-sized flying robot is part of a broader project at NUDT that includes various robotic systems. The exhibition of innovations included not only insect-scale drones but also humanoid robots, indicating a wide spectrum of research and development. One version shown during the broadcast was a four-winged drone model that can be operated using a smartphone, signalling an emphasis on field adaptability and user control. Though tiny in stature, the drone's internal architecture demands highly sophisticated engineering. Essential systems — such as power units, communication hardware, sensor packages and control electronics — must be incorporated into a space no larger than a small insect. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The assembly of these miniature components involves collaborative work across several disciplines, including microsystems engineering, advanced materials science and bio-inspired design. These miniature drones are being crafted to undertake reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering tasks in areas where traditional UAVs might be too large or conspicuous. Their small form factor allows them to blend into the environment, potentially evading detection and functioning as tactical surveillance tools in complex urban or battlefield scenarios. Apart from this project, Chinese engineers have also developed artillery-launched UAVs, which are engineered to survive intense acceleration and force during launch from 155mm cannon shells. These devices can withstand pressures up to 3,000 times their own weight, making them robust enough to be deployed in high-impact settings. How the rest of the world compares While China's mosquito-like robot is drawing attention now, several countries have already been exploring and deploying microdrones in military operations. One of the most prominent examples is Norway's 'Black Hornet,' developed by Teledyne FLIR Defence. This palm-sized, helicopter-style micro-UAV is currently in service with a number of armed forces around the globe. Its compact structure allows soldiers to use it for close-range surveillance while staying out of sight themselves. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The latest version, the Black Hornet 4, has earned accolades for its upgrades. Teledyne FLIR Defence received the 2025 Blue UAS Refresh award from the US Department of Defence, a recognition granted to advanced unmanned systems, reported Interesting Engineering. Improvements in this model include longer battery life, better resistance to harsh weather and wind, and increased communication range — challenges that typically confront designers of small drones. Operated via a small handheld console, the Black Hornet transmits real-time imagery and sensory data, enabling secure situational analysis on the ground. Harvard University has also entered the field with its RoboBee platform. Initially developed by the Wyss Institute, RoboBee shares many characteristics with the mosquito-sized UAV recently revealed in China. Some versions of RoboBee are capable of transitioning from aquatic environments to flight, or perching on surfaces using static electricity. The project aims to produce fully autonomous aerial micro-robots suitable for various applications, from surveillance to environmental assessments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, the US Air Force disclosed in 2021 that it was developing its own version of tiny drones. However, since the initial announcement, there has been little information released regarding the maturity or field deployment of this technology. How drones can be used beyond the military Although current developments in China, the US and Norway display defence-related applications, the potential for microdrones extends well beyond warfare. In the medical sector, micro- and nano-robotics are being investigated for their utility in minimally invasive procedures, diagnostics, and even surgical tasks. Researchers envision that future generations of these devices could navigate the human body to deliver drugs or conduct internal imaging with unprecedented precision. In agriculture, environmental protection, and disaster response, micro-UAVs could be game changers. Their ability to monitor atmospheric pollution, examine crop health, and access hazardous areas following natural disasters opens up new operational avenues for governments, researchers, and emergency services. The convergence of biology, robotics, and advanced computing in this sector is enabling the production of increasingly autonomous and intelligent microbots. Their versatility may revolutionise not just how wars are fought, but how crops are grown, diseases are treated, and ecosystems are monitored. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The future of robotics may not be dominated by large machines but by ones too small to see — hovering in the air, floating in water or even navigating the bloodstream. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
NDTV
a day ago
- Science
- NDTV
China's New Military Weapon: Tiny Mosquito Drone Could Change Warfare Forever
Scientists in China have developed a really small, mosquito-sized drone for military operations, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. The micro drone has been developed by a robotics laboratory at the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) in central China's Hunan province. Micro drones are small and compact drones that can be used for various applications besides military and defence. They have the potential to revolutionise various industries and applications with their unique capabilities. The prototype was displayed by researchers on air on CCTV 7 (China Central Television's military channel) on the weekend, the report noted. "Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot. Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield," Liang Hexiang, a student at NUDT, told CCTV as he showed the small drone holding in his hand. The mosquito-sized drone reportedly had two small wings with leaflike structures on either side. It also had three hair-thin "legs". It was controlled with a smartphone and was roughly equivalent to a mosquito (about 1.3 centimetres long). Chinese military unveils mosquito-sized drones that can perform battlefield missions | Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering The drone features a pair of flapping 'wings' and 'legs' and is designed for covert military operations. China's National University of Defence… — Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) June 22, 2025 The Chinese military unveils a tiny drone the size of a mosquito. The creators believe such a drone is nearly impossible to detect, making it ideal for reconnaissance. A compact handheld device is all that's needed for control. China is ahead of the rest of the world... — Alexeï (@jeanlol67573289) June 21, 2025 Use of micro-drones Such miniature drones can prove to be critical for covert military operations as they can be used for surveillance or reconnaissance missions without being easily detected. They can navigate through rubble or debris to locate survivors in emergencies. Microdrones can be equipped with sensors to monitor environmental conditions, such as air quality or water quality. Notably, microdrones come with a few challenges, such as they have limited payload capacity, which can restrict the types of sensors or equipment they can carry. They typically have shorter flight times due to their small batteries. However, improvements in battery life, sensor technology and artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to enhance the capabilities of microdrones.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Science
- Business Standard
China builds laser weapon that works in Arctic cold and desert heat
Chinese scientists have developed a high-powered laser system that can function reliably across some of the Earth's harshest temperature conditions—ranging from -50 degrees Celsius in Arctic regions to 50 degrees Celsius in desert environments such as the Sahara—without the need for heating or cooling systems. According to a report by South China Morning Post, the 2-kilowatt fibre laser was designed by a team led by Chen Jinbao, vice-president of the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), a prominent figure in high-energy laser research. The laser's compact and portable design marks a sharp departure from existing systems with similar power outputs, such as the European HELMA-P or India's IDDIS, which rely on bulky container-sized cooling infrastructure and truck-mounted platforms. Breakthrough in temperature-resilient laser tech 'Our team has achieved a technological breakthrough in the performance of wide-temperature operating fibre lasers,' Chen and his colleagues wrote in a peer-reviewed paper to be published in July in the Chinese-language journal Higher Power Laser and Particle Beams. The system's resilience stems from several design innovations. These include the use of 940-nanometre pump lasers that exhibit minimal thermal drift and the configuration of nine forward and 18 backward fibre-coupled diode lasers for light injection. Crucially, pump combiners were placed outside the resonator chamber to protect heat-sensitive components, and ytterbium-doped fibre was coiled at 8cm diameters to suppress unwanted parasitic lightwaves. At the heart of the laser lies a dual-clad optical resonator, with highly reflective gratings at both ends enclosing ytterbium-doped fibres. When pumped, ytterbium ions emit photons that are amplified into a powerful 1,080nm beam, filtered and collimated through quartz end-caps. Lab tests confirm consistent high performance In simulations mimicking rapid shifts between freezing and scorching environments, the laser consistently delivered over 2kW in output, peaking at 2.47kW at 20 degrees Celsius. It achieved a power efficiency of 71 per cent with near-perfect beam quality. Ytterbium, a rare earth element largely sourced from China, played a pivotal role in this achievement. Its quantum properties enable efficient energy conversion while resisting performance degradation at high temperatures—a phenomenon known as thermal quenching. Compact system suited for rapid deployment Chen's team stressed the need for wide-temperature capability as laser systems find expanding applications beyond controlled indoor settings. 'To ensure stable output, all standard fibre lasers require integrated cooling systems to maintain temperature control for internal components and optical paths, resulting in a narrow operating temperature range typically centred around room temperature,' the researchers noted. By contrast, the NUDT prototype approaches suitcase-scale portability, a stark contrast to shipping container-sized alternatives in use globally. This makes it particularly suitable for quick deployment in remote, mobile, or conflict-prone environments where temperature extremes are common. Applications across defence and industry 'Fibre lasers offer high efficiency, low cost and compact size, enabling widespread deployment across industrial processing, optoelectronic countermeasures, precision cutting and other fields,' the researchers wrote. They added that future work will focus on pushing the output power higher and broadening the laser's effective operating temperature range. The development signals a significant advance in China's laser weapon capabilities, with implications for both defence and industrial technologies.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Chinese military unveils mosquito-sized drones that can perform battlefield missions
China's National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) has developed a mosquito-sized drone designed for covert military operations. Details are a little thin on the ground, but its development is likely focusing on surveillance and reconnaissance missions in complex or sensitive environments. The drone's main unique selling point is its compact size, making it relatively easy to hide or conceal. It has two leaflike wings that are reportedly able to flap just like an insect's wings. 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot. Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield,' Liang Hexiang, a student at NUDT, told CCTV while holding up the drone between his fingers. The drone also has three hair-thin "legs" that could be used for perching or landing. Dinky drones of this kind could likely be used in urban combat, search and rescue, or electronic surveillance. It could also be a valuable tool for reconnaissance and covert special missions. To make it work, the drone features advanced integration of power systems, control electronics, and sensors, all in an incredibly tiny package. These drones can operate undetected, making them valuable in covert warfare, espionage, or tactical reconnaissance. However, given their size, they are pretty challenging to design and build. Engineering at that scale is challenging, particularly with components such as batteries, communications, and sensors that must be miniaturized without sacrificing functionality. Its development may also signal a broader trend. For example, the U.S., Norway, and other countries are also investing in micro-UAVs for both military and non-military purposes. Norway's "Black Hornet" is a prime example. This palm-sized device is in service with many Western militaries and is used for close-range scouting. The latest version, "Black Hornet 4," has improved durability and range. Developed by Teledyne FLIR Defence, this drone won the 2025 US Department of Defence Blue UAS Refresh award, which recognises unmanned aerial systems. The model's enhanced battery life, weather resilience, and communication range address common challenges faced by microdrone developers. Harvard has also previously unveiled its RoboBee micro-UAV. Similarly powered using flapping "wings," this drone can fly, land, and even transition from water to air. In 2021, the US Air Force confirmed that it was developing tiny drones. However, there have been no updates regarding any completed technology or deployment. Beyond military applications, micro-UAVs like these could have essential roles in other industries. In the medical sciences, for example, similar technologies are being researched for use in surgery, drug delivery, diagnostics, and medical imaging. It could also be used in applications such as environmental monitoring, where future microdrones could be utilized for pollution tracking, crop monitoring, or disaster response. Looking at the bigger picture, "microdrones" like these mark a significant step in military micro-robotics, demonstrating that countries like China are advancing rapidly in next-generation surveillance tools. It also highlights a global race where small, intelligent, and stealthy robots could redefine how both soldiers and scientists interact with the world, whether on a battlefield or inside a human body.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Chinese military robotics lab creates mosquito-sized microdrone for covert operations
A robotics laboratory at the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) in central China's Hunan province has developed a mosquito-sized drone for covert military operations. NUDT researchers showed their work on different types of robots – from humanoid machines to tiny drones barely visible to the eye – in a report aired on CCTV 7, China Central Television's military channel, on June 14. 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot. Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield', Liang Hexiang, a student at NUDT, told CCTV while holding up the drone between his fingers. 08:18 Flying taxis, airships and drones: the rise of China's low-altitude economy Flying taxis, airships and drones: the rise of China's low-altitude economy In the video of the UAV, two tiny wings with a leaflike structure were attached to the sides of the stick-shaped drone body along with three hair-thin 'legs'. The report highlighting advances in robotics engineering also showed a prototype controlled via smartphone with four wings, two moving horizontally on each side of the body. Their tiny size makes manufacturing this new type of drone challenging: sensors, power devices, control circuits and other elements must fit into an extremely limited space. It requires collaboration between various disciplines, such as the engineering of microscopic devices, materials science and bionics. The micro UAV Black Hornet, a palm-sized, helicopter-shaped drone developed in Norway, is widely used by armed forces around the globe today.
