Robotic Insects Handle Precise Pollination Tasks Efficiently

MIT researchers are designing robotic insects capable of swarming from mechanical hives to handle precise pollination tasks efficiently. The team designed their tiny, flying robots to be significantly more agile and robust than previous iterations, drawing inspiration from the anatomy of natural pollinators like bees. More than 100 times longer than previously shown, the new bots can hover for over 1,000 seconds. Additionally, there is enough room in the new design for the robot to carry small sensors or batteries, which could allow it to fly independently outside of the lab. A more efficient artificial pollination method could enable future farmers to grow fruits and vegetables in multilevel warehouses, increasing yields while reducing agriculture’s environmental impact. But when it comes to endurance, speed, and agility, natural pollinators like bees are superior to even the best bug-sized robots.

To address challenges in robotic insect design, researchers improved upon earlier models composed of four identical units with two wings each. The new design splits the robot in half, giving each unit a single flapping wing pointed outward. The arrangement enhances wing stability, increases lift forces, and reduces interference between wings. By halving the number of wings, the design creates space for electronics. Additionally, more complex transmissions now link the wings to actuators, reducing mechanical strain and extending endurance. According to the team, these transmissions feature longer wing hinges, boosting durability and resolving limitations seen in previous versions, making the robots more efficient and versatile. Despite these design advancements, robotic insects still fall short of matching the capabilities of their natural counterparts.

More information:

https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/mit-robot-bees-break-pollination-record

Experience Crime Through VR

In a watershed moment for the American legal system, a court judge used VR in a criminal proceeding. The judge experienced a defense expert's recreation of the defendant’s perspective in the case of a wedding venue owner charged with aggravated assault. While groundbreaking, this approach raises questions about the reliability of VR evidence and concerns about accessibility, fairness, and cost barriers. VR reconstructions can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, potentially creating inequality in access to justice.

Researchers at the University of South Australia conducted a study where participants viewed a crime scene either through photographs or via a VR simulation. The findings revealed that those who experienced the VR simulation had a significantly better recall of evidence placement and reached more consistent verdicts compared to those who viewed photographs. While this research is promising, the introduction of new methods or technologies in the courtroom always comes with complex challenges.

More information:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/larsdaniel/2025/01/06/historic-first-judge-dons-oculus-vr-headset-to-experience-crime/

Smart Ring Controls Home Devices

University of Washington researchers have developed IRIS, a smart ring that allows users to control smart devices by aiming the ring’s small camera at the device and clicking a built-in button. The prototype Bluetooth ring sends an image of the selected device to the user’s phone, which controls the device.

The user can adjust the device with the button and for devices with gradient controls, such as a speaker’s volume by rotating their hand. IRIS, or Interactive Ring for Interfacing with Smart home devices, operates off a charge for 16-24 hours. However, IRIS is not currently available to the public.

More information:

https://www.washington.edu/news/2025/01/08/smart-ring-camera-iris/