They're Getting Closer — Swarms of Drones

  They're Getting Closer — Swarms of Drones

"Bugging" is a slang term for one form of covert surveillance, but the word may take on a new meaning with the development of drones not much larger than insects. Researchers at several facilities, with the GRASP Lab at the University of Pennsylvania in the lead, are developing truly miniature drone vehicles displaying amazing agility and the ability to fly in formation, or swarm. Scientists envision squadrons of tiny drones soon scouting battlefields or searching for natural disaster victims. Before that can happen, however, they must develop sensors small and light enough to be carried by the bug-like craft.

More from Aerospace Technology