Tiny solar-powered drones could stay in the air forever
A drone weighing just 4 grams is the smallest solar-powered aerial vehicle to fly yet, thanks to its unusual electrostatic motor and tiny solar panels that produce extremely high voltages. Although the hummingbird-sized prototype only operated for an hour, its makers say their approach could result in insect-sized drones that can stay in the air indefinitely.
Tiny drones are an attractive solution to a range of communications, spying and search-and-rescue problems, but they are hampered by poor battery life, while solar-powered versions struggle to generate enough power to sustain themselves.
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