Harvard University engineer Robert Wood is developing a robotic fly. Propelled by tiny, flapping wings, the microrobot weighs no more than a few grains of rice and flits about just like a real fly. It’s pretty cute, but it’s also a deadly serious device. With light and odor sensors attached, Wood’s robofly could be a tiny spy in the sky, keeping track of terrorists or detecting bombs.

Like Wood, many engineers are working to fight terrorism by devising technologies to help keep the country safe. Some are developing wireless networks of dust-sized sensors to sniff out chemical or biological weapons. Other engineers are developing machines to scan trucks for explosives. And still others are toiling to improve cybersecurity in order to protect the Internet from attack.

Watch a video about the robotic fly here:

Filed under: Explore Engineering, Mechanical

Tags: Engineering Is, Mechanical, Technology