Japanese researchers develop robotic, heroic hummingbird

This is not the first time we've heard about a robotic hummingbird, but they're still a rare enough species to warrant our attention. Japanese researchers at Chiba University near Tokyo have developed a new bot which behaves much like the quick-winged bird, which is controlled by an infrared sensor. The little birdie weighs in at less than an ounce and can fly in a figure eight, moving up, down, left and right. Next steps for its development -- which the researchers say will arrive by 2011 -- include the ability for it to hover mid-air, and have a small camera attached to it. Ultimately, its creators see the robot (which has cost around 2 million dollars to develop) being able to help search for people in dangerous situations, such as destroyed buildings, or aiding in the search for criminals. We haven't gotten a look at the little guy yet (the above photo is merely to whet your imagination), but we anxiously await its arrival.

[gadgeteer63 Posted Dec 28th 2009 12:07PM]

is ok, somebody will develop a robotic cat to take it out.

unless wing mounted missiles are also in its future ... then it might start getting messy.

will be interesting to see how big the finished product is...

[HW90 Posted Dec 28th 2009 12:07PM]

where and when can I buy one?

[pbase Posted Dec 29th 2009 1:47AM]

@(Unverified)

2010 - $2 million - Japanese robotics lab
2012 - $29.99 - Toys R Us

[htd Posted Dec 28th 2009 12:23PM]

that looks like the 'flying tinker bell' toy I saw in target

[dcnoren Posted Dec 28th 2009 1:19PM]

@htd oh thats my fave

[nothing Posted Dec 28th 2009 12:35PM]

I'm sure 'heroic' is just for press release statement. Link these words together: "Japanese...small... flying... camera... heroic... rescue" just doesn't sound right. Now try these "Japanese...small...flying...camera...upskirt.. hentai"

[glamajamma Posted Dec 28th 2009 12:59PM]

Did I miss the video?

[Dusty Posted Dec 28th 2009 2:51PM]

@glamajamma
I dont see anything...

[awk Posted Dec 28th 2009 1:12PM]

Turgid little fellow...

[dcoke Posted Dec 28th 2009 1:39PM]

it reminds me of Goldeneye for the 64 when you had the big head cheat on holly crap that thing looks weird, but then again it's japan. Expect this device to be used in their ever twisted sex life instead of helping people. Is it me or does that image look photo shopped?

[xxaznmonk Posted Dec 28th 2009 2:34PM]

i think it looks pretty cute o.o

almost as cute as pleo, but without the crying.

http://www.tvlesson.com/video/37515_pleo-review.html

[n1hmrd Posted Dec 28th 2009 2:51PM]

Please may i introduce the Hunter Killer mark 1,it features have night vision,death ray,giga lan,skynet ai and YES....It can run crysis!!! :0

I and all must welcome our new humming bird overlords.

[Volume Posted Dec 28th 2009 4:28PM]

but will it eat my diarrhea?

[xconan Posted Dec 28th 2009 5:07PM]

the beak looks like it's capable of shooting darts... that doesn't look promising but maybe for government covert ops like the cia or mi6 Beware of stalking hummingbirds

[Rick36 Posted Dec 28th 2009 5:34PM]

Robotic Humming Bird?????

Sounds like a real hummer to me!

Hummmmmmmmmmmm!