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.

Tiny dandelion seeds have been known to waft up to 500 miles (800km) just using the power of the wind. Now scientists have found out their secret and say their super efficient mini parachutes could revolutionise designs for remote-controlled stealth drones. Never-before-seen air bubbles that surround the seeds on the yellow-flowered weed are believed to be the secret to one of'nature's best flyers'. Dandelion seeds are said to be four times more efficient than what is currently possible with man-made parachute designs. Tiny dandelion seeds have been known to waft up to 500 miles (800km) just using the power of the wind.