Harvard scientists unleash the robot bees

Feb 17, 2012 - 07:46
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Harvard scientists unleash the robot bees
Pop-up Fabrication of the Harvard Monolithic Bee (Mobee)

Are the days of the killer robot insects upon us? Well, hopefully not yet -- but we might be a step closer, thanks to the work of a team of scientists at the Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory and their \"monolithic bee.\" Hexagonal metal disks a bit smaller than a quarter house the \"bees,\" which pop up and out of the sheet, more or less like a pop-up book, complete with actual wings. (The researchers report being inspired by origami folding techniques.)

Meant to fly as part of a larger swarm, each bee body could potentially be outfitted with \"chips all over that. I can build in sensors and control actuators,\" Professor Robert Wood told The Daily Mail. Presumably he meant to add \"for the good of all mankind\" rather than \"sort of like in every movie you've ever seen about technology that eventually destroys mankind.\"

Are you freaked out by robot insects?

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.