Scientists develop a FAIRY-inspired robot that uses wind and light energy to fly

It looks like enough of us believe in fairies after all, but it's not Tinkerbell who is flying this time. Scientists from Tampere University in Finland have developed a 0.2-inch (4 mm) robot that uses wind and light energy to soar through the air. Their'flying aero-robot based on light-responsive materials assembly' - FAIRY - weighs just 1.2 milligrams, meaning it can be blown about by even a gentle breeze. It resembles a dandelion seed or'pappus', with super-fine bristles poking from two wings which gently flap when activated with light. The'flying aero-robot based on light-responsive materials assembly' (pictured) - FAIRY - weighs just 1.2 milligrams so can be blown about by even a gentle breeze.