Micro Bug Bots

BAE Systems has just signed a $38 million agreement with the US Army to develop insect like robots. This collaborative is called Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology (MAST).

The picture here is what the future spiderbots may look like. Also see the BAE promotional video here. We especially like the robotic tank that deploys the robotic dragonflies.

The general idea is to build spiders or dragonflies with cameras and sensors to assist soldiers in a more urban environment. Such as a spider crawling under a door to see who is inside before soldiers enter.

The press release states:

The alliance will create an autonomous, multifunctional collection of miniature intelligence-gathering robots that can operate in places too inaccessible or dangerous for humans.

Link via (Business Wire)