China creates cyborg BEES controlling their minds and every movement for secret spy missions
The tiny brain controller weighs just 74milligrams, which researchers say is lighter than a sack of nectar typically carried by a bee.
1
The team from the Beijing Institute of Technology, led by Professor Zhao Jieliang, said the system wires straight into the insects' brains.
While the device is strapped to a bee's back, three needles are pierced into the bee's brain.
Operators can then send electronic pulses into the bee's brain and command it to fly in whichever direction they want.
During tests, published in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering, the bees obeyed their operator's commands with 90 per cent accuracy.
It's similar to the so-called "zombie" fungus, cordyceps, which can infect insects and take control of their bodies.
It's this fungus that was famously used as the premise for the zombie virus in the popular 'The Last of Us' franchise.
The sci-fi-like system, first reported by the South China Morning Post, printed the circuits onto polymer film - ultra-thin and flexible films that are used inside electronics.
The team behind the new technology believe swarms of mind-controlled insects could scout areas and help disaster relief operations.
However, they may also usher in a new type of surveillance state where every insect is potentially a spy.
'Insect-based robots inherit the superior mobility, camouflage capabilities, and environmental adaptability of their biological hosts,' Zhao and his colleagues wrote.
They added: 'Compared to synthetic alternatives, they demonstrate enhanced stealth and extended operational endurance, making them invaluable for covert reconnaissance in scenarios such as urban combat, counterterrorism and narcotics interdiction, as well as critical disaster relief operations."
Previously, the lightest bug cyborg controller developed in Singapore was triple the weight.
The device could command beetles and roaches - but the extra weight meant they became tired quickly.
With a more lightweight device, Zhao and his team believe they can better serve as military scouts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
3 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: What We Know So Far (Rumors, Leaks & More)
Samsung's highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 8 may introduce a significant shift in the design of foldable smartphones. Reports indicate that the company is considering replacing the titanium backplate used in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 with carbon fiber reinforced plastic. This potential change underscores the complex interplay between material innovation, supply chain dynamics, and global economic factors that shape the development of innovative devices. As foldable smartphones continue to evolve, Samsung's decision could set a precedent for future design and manufacturing trends. The video below from Miror Pro gives us more details on the rumored device. Watch this video on YouTube. Why Titanium Was Key to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 The Galaxy Z Fold 7's titanium backplate was a cornerstone of its design, offering a combination of strength, durability, and premium aesthetics. Titanium's exceptional strength-to-weight ratio made it an ideal choice for a foldable device, making sure the phone could endure the repeated mechanical stresses of folding and unfolding. This durability was critical in addressing consumer concerns about the longevity of foldable smartphones. Additionally, titanium's sleek and lightweight properties contributed to the device's high-end feel, aligning with the expectations of premium smartphone users. By incorporating titanium, Samsung not only enhanced the structural integrity of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 but also reinforced its position as a leader in the foldable market. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic: A Lightweight Contender If Samsung opts for carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the material's lightweight and flexible properties could offer distinct advantages. Carbon fiber, which Samsung previously used in the Galaxy Z Fold 3, is renowned for its strength and adaptability. While it may not match titanium's rigidity, it could significantly reduce the device's overall weight, improving portability and user comfort. This change could appeal to consumers seeking a more lightweight and ergonomic foldable experience. However, questions remain about the material's ability to provide the same level of durability and structural support as titanium, particularly in a market where foldable phones are scrutinized for their robustness. Samsung will need to carefully evaluate whether the benefits of reduced weight outweigh potential compromises in durability. External Pressures Driving Material Choices The potential shift from titanium to carbon fiber reinforced plastic may be driven more by external pressures than by engineering preferences. Global supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have made sourcing high-quality titanium increasingly challenging. Additionally, ongoing trade tensions between major economies, particularly the United States and China, have impacted the availability and cost of critical materials. These geopolitical and economic factors are likely influencing Samsung's exploration of alternative materials to ensure production timelines remain on track and costs are kept under control. By considering carbon fiber reinforced plastic, Samsung may be seeking a solution that balances material performance with the realities of a volatile global market. Innovation vs. Practicality: A Delicate Balance The Galaxy Z Fold 8's potential material redesign highlights the broader challenge of balancing technological innovation with practical constraints. Advanced materials like titanium and carbon fiber are essential to the progression of foldable smartphones, but their adoption is often dictated by factors such as cost, availability, and manufacturing feasibility. Samsung's decision will likely reflect a compromise between maintaining the high performance and durability consumers expect and adapting to external pressures that influence production. This balancing act is emblematic of the challenges faced by the entire smartphone industry as it navigates the complexities of innovation in a rapidly changing global landscape. What This Means for the Future The Galaxy Z Fold 8 represents more than just the next step in Samsung's foldable smartphone lineup—it serves as a barometer for broader industry trends. Whether Samsung retains titanium or transitions to carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the decision will have far-reaching implications for the device's performance, cost, and market positioning. A shift to carbon fiber could signal a new direction in foldable design, emphasizing lightweight construction and cost efficiency. Conversely, sticking with titanium would reaffirm Samsung's commitment to premium materials and durability. Regardless of the final choice, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will likely influence the trajectory of foldable smartphone development, shaping how manufacturers address consumer demands and adapt to global challenges. Key Takeaway: The Galaxy Z Fold 8 may redefine material design in foldable smartphones, balancing innovation with external pressures. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 may redefine material design in foldable smartphones, balancing innovation with external pressures. Why It Matters: Material choices directly impact a device's durability, weight, cost, and overall user experience. Material choices directly impact a device's durability, weight, cost, and overall user experience. Looking Ahead: Samsung's decision will likely set a precedent for future trends in foldable smartphone design and manufacturing. Enhance your knowledge on Galaxy Z Fold 8 by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Source & Image Credit: Miror Pro Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Reuters
3 hours ago
- Reuters
LG Innotek to take stake in lidar maker Aeva as part of $50 million deal
SAN FRANCISCO, July 29 (Reuters) - Aeva Technologies (AEVA.O), opens new tab said on Tuesday that South Korean camera module maker LG Innotek ( opens new tab will take an equity stake in Aeva as part of a $50 million strategic collaboration. Aeva makes lidar sensors that help vehicles and industrial equipment gain a detailed three-dimensional view of their environment and detect how fast surrounding objects are moving. It supplies sensors to vehicle firms such as Daimler Truck and industrial equipment makers such as Nikon. As part of the deal, LG Innotek will make a $32 million equity investment in Aeva for a "single-digit percentage ownership" in the company, Aeva CEO Soroush Salehian told Reuters in an interview. The remainder of the deal will go toward building production capacity for sensors that can go into robotics and consumer devices, in addition to Aeva's existing markets of vehicles and industrial equipment. 'The ultimate goal of this partnership is for LG Innotek and Aeva to grow together as key players leading the next-generation lidar market through a long-term technology partnership that goes beyond the supply of products,' the South Korean electronics supplier's CEO, Hyuksoo Moon, said in a statement. Salehian told Reuters that Aeva is working to integrate its entire sensor into a single chip whose price can be driven low enough to make it viable in consumer electronics such as augmented reality headsets. "The roadmap that we're going towards is double-digit dollars," Salehian told Reuters. "We are already working towards the next generation that will allow for a very low-cost solution, which we think will be a game changer for mass adoption of what we call precision sensing."
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Games Workshop to open new stores in US, Europe and Asia this year after Space Marine 2 success
Games Workshop is plotting dozens of new store launches around the world after the Warhammer creator's profits were supercharged by the launch of 'Space Marine 2'. The group cheered a record 2025 on Tuesday with pre-tax profits soaring by nearly 30 per cent to £262.8million, beating guidance of £255million, as sales jumped 19.6 per cent on a constant currency basis to £628.7million. It came as licencing revenues jumped from £31million to £52.5million after Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, a third-person shooter video game launched last year, performed 'well above' the group's expectations with seven million copies sold. Games Workshop is best known in the UK for its tabletop miniatures and high street stores across the country. But it has increasingly moved into video games and books, and a film and TV deal with Amazon that was finalised last December and is expected to be fronted by Superman actor Henry Cavill. Games Workshop cautioned that the next 12 months would suffer tough comparisons owing to the success of Space Marine 2, while the group thinks tariffs could impact profit before tax by around £12million. It said tariffs would be 'dealt with in our normal pragmatic way'. Nevertheless, Games Workshop outlined plans to boost manufacturing capacity and said it aims to open around 35 new stores globally over the next year. These are set to be focused on North American, continental Europe and Asia. The Nottingham-based firm's chief executive Kevin Rountree, CEO of Games Workshop said: 'After a record year, we remain focused on delivering our operational plans and working tirelessly to overcome any significant obstacles that get in the way. 'We will continue to give ourselves the freedom to make some mistakes, constantly working on improvements in product quality and manufacturing innovation. 'Despite our recent successes we will never take our hobbyists' support for granted.' Games Workshop declared and paid dividends worth 520p per share last year, up from 420p in the previous 12 months. Games Workshop shares were up 5.6 per cent to 16,110p approaching midday, having more than doubled over the last three years.
