China’s Military Robotics Lab Develops Mosquito-Sized Bionic Robot for Covert Battlefield Missions

In a remarkable leap for miniature robotics, a military robotics laboratory in China has successfully developed a mosquito-sized drone designed for covert operations. The breakthrough comes from the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), located in Hunan province, and was recently showcased on CCTV 7, China’s military television channel.

During the broadcast, NUDT researchers displayed a range of advanced robotics projects — from humanoid robots to micro-sized drones almost invisible to the naked eye. One of the most attention-grabbing inventions was a tiny, mosquito-like drone capable of gathering information discreetly in sensitive military situations.

A New Tool for Stealth Reconnaissance

Liang Hexiang, a student at NUDT, presented the microdrone during the telecast. Holding the tiny device delicately between his fingers, he described it as “especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield.” The drone, resembling an insect, features two delicate, leaf-shaped wings on each side and three thin, hair-like legs attached to a slender, stick-shaped body.

Such micro-sized drones pose unique engineering challenges, as critical components like sensors, control circuits, and power sources must all be miniaturized without compromising performance. Achieving this requires the integration of various advanced technologies, including micro-device engineering, bionics, and materials science.

Part of a Global Microdrone Race

China’s move mirrors a growing global interest in micro-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). One of the best-known examples is the Black Hornet — a palm-sized, helicopter-shaped drone developed in Norway and now widely used by military forces around the world. Its latest version, the Black Hornet 4, recently earned the prestigious US Department of Defence Blue UAS Refresh award for improved battery life, durability, and operational range.

Similarly, in the United States, Harvard University’s Wyss Institute has made headlines with its RoboBee project — a microdrone capable of swimming underwater, flying, and even perching on surfaces using static electricity. Although the US Air Force confirmed work on its own microdrones back in 2021, there’s been little public information since about their progress.

Beyond the Battlefield

While military applications remain a prime focus, micro-robotics technology holds promise far beyond combat. In the medical world, researchers are exploring micro and nanorobotics for tasks such as targeted drug delivery, minimally invasive surgeries, and high-precision diagnostic procedures. These tiny machines could one day navigate the human body, treating diseases from within.

The unveiling of China’s mosquito-sized drone highlights the rapid pace of advancement in military robotics and micro-robotics globally. As nations continue to develop stealthier, smarter, and more capable unmanned systems, such technology is set to reshape the future of both warfare and peaceful applications. Whether on the battlefield, in hospitals, or in environmental monitoring, micro-robots like these are a glimpse into a highly advanced — and potentially discreet — future.