The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is developing bee-sized drones to assist in the natural pollination process. These innovative robots aim to mimic the natural pollination abilities of bees to assist in artificial pollination and increase efficiency in agriculture. The newly designed tiny drones have wings that can mimic the movements and pollination process of bees. Weighing less than a gram, these “insect drones” can fly 100 times longer than their previous versions. They can also quickly navigate complex paths and provide efficient pollination. Significant improvements have been made According to MIT researchers, the newly developed miniature robots can stay in the air for 17 minutes. Nanotube electrodes and artificial muscles made of elastomers were added to the robot’s wings to increase flight time and durability. The previous eight-winged design has now been replaced by a more efficient four-winged arrangement. Mini-robot swarms possible Researchers hope that robot insects can work together in swarms in the future. If the envisioned developments come to fruition, these swarms can be used to coordinate pollination in large fields, indoor farms, and greenhouses. According to experts, swarms of “robot bees” that can work together could be an important step in increasing efficiency in agriculture without harming the environment. Suitable for different applications Besides pollination, it is expected that flying mini robots will have other uses as well. One of these includes inspecting narrow areas that unmanned aerial vehicles cannot reach. With the help of micro cameras mounted on them, robots can allow monitoring of points that require passage through narrow cracks or holes. Is an alternative to natural pollination necessary? According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the number of natural pollinators, from butterflies to bees and birds, is decreasing every year. The main reasons cited for this decline are pesticide use and urban expansions. According to the evaluations of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 187 bee species are at risk of extinction. This situation not only affects plants benefiting from ecosystem services provided by bees but also indirectly affects humans. With urbanization and rapid climate change continuing today, sector experts emphasize the importance of developing an alternative or auxiliary to natural pollination.