Submission + - Morphing-wing robotic birds to spy on us
Roland Piquepaille writes: "Dutch engineering students have developed RoboSwift, a bio-inspired morphing-wing micro aerial vehicle which flies like a swift. Like the real bird, this robotic one 'will have unprecedented wing characteristics; the wing geometry as well as the wing surface area can be adjusted continuously.' But unlike the real bird, RoboSwift, which will have a span of 50 cm and weigh about 80 grams, has been designed to spy on us. With its three micro cameras, it will perform surveillance missions lasting up to one hour on vehicles and people on the ground. The first RoboSwift is expected to fly in January 2008. Read more for additional references and pictures of a RoboSwift sweeping its wings back and forth."