Scientists design a penny-sized 'RoboFly' that can walk, fly and drift across water surfaces

Researchers have developed the'RoboFly' to aid in rescue missions, detect gas leaks and pollinate crops. The penny-size robot, inspired by flying insects, can move through the air, on the ground and drift over water surfaces to carry out different tasks. It is fitted with thin hinges of plastic in its carbon fiber body that act as joints and sports balanced control system commands that provides rotational motions of the wings – each wing is controlled independently in real-time. The team believes its creation is far more effective than current models, because the Robofly is able to avoid obstacles with the help of its different modes of locomotion. Researchers have developed the'RoboFly' to aid in rescue missions, detect gas leaks and pollinate crops.