You’ve heard reports of drones the size of insects. A new video shows a flying robot the size of a quarter developed by engineers at Harvard.

“Scientists anticipate the devices will open up a wide range of discoveries and practical innovations, such as pollination, search and rescue, military surveillance and traffic monitoring,” The Guardian writes.

Can you imagine acres of industrial farmland or formerly wild vegetation being pollinated by robotic bees long after the natural variety have been killed off? Or models equipped with microphones and cameras hovering in place every few square feet in a major city?

— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.

The Guardian:

Wait, before you go…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

Support Truthdig