Insect-inspired robot can fly thanks to a new type of electric 'muscle'

An insect-inspired flying robot with wings that buzz thanks to a new type of electric'muscle' has been developed by British scientists. The prototype weighs about 0.01lbs (5g), has a wing span of 5.9 inches (15cm) and can fly at 1.6mph. It is hoped that one day the robot will be able to look for survivors in disaster zones such as collapsed buildings, monitor hard-to-reach infrastructure and pollinate crops. Researchers at Bristol University said its wings are so efficient that they actually provide more power than an insect muscle of the same weight. 'It's very challenging to beat nature,' Dr Tim Helps, lead author of the study, told MailOnline.