Robot bees that can hover for more than 1,000 seconds, 100 times longer than previous designs, have been achieved by MIT researchers. These robots draw inspiration from natural pollinators and are more agile, more enduring, and more robust, paving the way for revolutionary uses in agriculture.
The latest design addresses key challenges in robotic insect engineering through innovative features. The new robots, however, have a streamlined design split into two units, unlike earlier models with four pairs of wings. It minimizes mechanical interference, improves lift, and frees space for sensors or batteries, enabling autonomous outdoor operations.
The wings achieve rapid flapping through precise mechanical transmissions powered by artificial muscles made from elastomer layers and carbon nanotube electrodes. Past limitations, such as buckling at high frequencies, are resolved with these upgrades, which use longer wing hinges to reduce torsional stress and improve durability. This results in a robot able to execute complex maneuvers, including rolls, flips, and even spelling ‘M-I-T’ mid-flight.
“We can now generate three times more control torque, which enables sophisticated and precise pathfinding flights,” said Kevin Chen, associate professor at MIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

In vertical farming environments, the robots have promise for efficient artificial pollination and could boost yields and reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint. Longer flight durations beyond 10,000 seconds, as well as the ability to equip the robots with miniaturized sensors and batteries for autonomous navigation, are future goals.
These achievements notwithstanding, natural pollinators continue to be unmatched in their precision and efficiency. However, Chen and his team are optimistic: “It is a major milestone for this platform, and integrating computing capabilities will create exciting opportunities in the next few years.” As these robotic bees continue to advance, they could help transform pollination, leading to sustainable farming solutions around the world.