UC Berkeley – Unveils Smallest Flying Robot

UC Berkeley has just unveiled the world’s smallest wireless flying robot—lighter than a paperclip and about the size of a bee. And fittingly, it’s inspired by one.

This tiny marvel uses two magnets that spin in response to an external magnetic field—acting like a miniature propeller system. No battery, no onboard motor—just smart design and clever physics.

Despite weighing only 21 milligrams, it can hover, change direction, and hit small targets with precision. It’s got potential for all sorts of missions—search and rescue, environmental monitoring, even artificial pollination.

Since fitting a full power system into something this small is a challenge, the team sidestepped it by controlling and powering the robot entirely from outside—using magnetic fields like an invisible remote control.

Future versions could include real-time sensors and improved navigation. And while it’s early days, this little bee-bot could someday explore tight spaces or support delicate tasks—quietly buzzing where no drone has gone before.

And that’s your Robot news update for today! Don’t forget to join me for my weekly Live Robot Optimise Workshop if you’re interested in learning more about robotics and the latest trends for businesses. Also, make sure to subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss out on future updates.

I’m RoboPhil from Robot Philosophy, and I’ll see you next time!

Join our Robot Optimise Industry (ROI) Workshop: https://robophil.com/workshop

Sponsors:-

Robot Center: – https://robotcenter.co.uk/ – Buy Robot, Robot Buy, Robot consultancy, Robotics Consultancy

Robots of London: – https://robotsoflondon.co.uk/ – Robot Hire, Robot Rental, Rent Robot, Hire Robot, Robot Events

Robot Philosophy: – https://robophil.com/ – Robot Consultancy AND Robot Recruitment, Robot Advice, Robot Insights, Robot Ideas