Micro-drones: Insect-like robots see military and rescue applications

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• May 6, 2022

Insight summary

Micro-drones are making waves across industries, from agriculture and construction to search and rescue operations. These small, agile devices offer cost-effective solutions for tasks like field monitoring, precise surveying, and even cultural research, all while navigating regulatory and logistical challenges more easily than their larger counterparts. However, their rise also brings ethical and environmental questions, such as concerns about privacy, job displacement, and sustainability.

Micro-drones context

A micro-drone is an aircraft that is between a nano and mini-drone in size. Micro-drones are small enough to be flown primarily indoors but are also large enough so they can fly outdoors for a short distance. Researchers are building mini-robotic aircraft based on the biological characteristics of birds and insects. US Air Force Research Laboratory engineers have noted that they could use micro-drones for monitoring purposes, aerial missions, and combat awareness once they are successfully developed.

Animal Dynamics, founded in 2015 to investigate the science of biomechanics, has developed two micro-drones, which are based on the company’s in-depth studies of bird and insect life. Of the two micro-drones, one derives its inspiration from a dragonfly and has already received interest and additional research support from the US military. The four wings of the dragonfly micro-drone allow the machine to maintain stability in heavy gusts, which can prove highly detrimental to the current class of small and micro-surveillance drones in use. 

Micro-drone manufacturers are increasingly competing in events, such as one hosted by the US Air Force in February 2022, where 48 registered drone pilots raced one another. Micro drone racing and stunt flying are also seeing increased adoption in social media content creation, commercials, and documentaries.  

Disruptive impact

Micro-drone technology is poised to have a significant impact across various sectors. In the energy sector, for example, these small drones could be deployed to detect methane leaks in gas pipelines, which is crucial for safety and environmental reasons, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas. By doing so, they could bypass the strict regulations and pilot requirements that larger drones are subject to, making the process more efficient and less costly.

In the construction industry, the use of micro-drones could be a game-changer for surveying methods. These drones can provide highly accurate measurements, which can then be used to create precise 2D and 3D plans. This level of accuracy can lead to better resource allocation and less waste, thereby increasing overall efficiency. 

Archaeological research could also benefit from micro-drone technology. These drones can be equipped with thermal and multispectral imaging technologies to conduct aerial surveys of excavation sites. This feature allows for the identification of buried remains or artifacts with high precision. For governments and educational institutions, this opens up new avenues for historical and cultural research. However, they may need to consider ethical implications and the potential for misuse, such as unauthorized excavations or disruptions to local ecosystems.

Implications of micro-drones 

Wider implications of micro-drones may include:

• Farmers adopting micro-drones for field monitoring, leading to more accurate data on harvest size and timing, which in turn could result in increased crop yields and food security.
• Search and rescue teams using swarms of micro-drones to cover large areas quickly, potentially reducing the time and resources needed to locate missing persons or fugitives.
• Sports broadcasters incorporating micro-drones into their coverage, offering viewers the option to watch games from multiple angles, thereby enhancing viewer experience and potentially increasing subscription rates.
• Construction companies utilizing micro-drones for precise measurements, leading to more efficient use of materials and labor, and ultimately lowering the cost of construction projects.
• Increased use of micro-drones for surveillance by law enforcement agencies, potentially raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
• The potential for job displacement in sectors like construction surveying and agricultural monitoring, as micro-drones take on roles traditionally performed by humans.
• Governments facing challenges in regulating the use of micro-drones, especially in terms of airspace management and safety, possibly leading to new laws and policies that may stifle drone-related entrepreneurship.
• Environmental concerns arising from the materials and energy used to manufacture and operate micro-drones, leading to increased scrutiny on their sustainability.

Questions to consider

• What regulations do you think governments will impose on the use of micro-drones?
• What commercial applications do you believe micro-drones might have in your industry?