ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science

NASA Explores the Use of Robotic Bees on Mars

Marsbees could cover a lot more ground on the Red Planet than sluggish rovers.

John TuttlebyJohn Tuttle
April 10, 2018
in History, Inventions, News, Robotics, Science, Space, Tech, Technology
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

RelatedPosts

Curiosity Rover first images from MARS [PHOTOS]
Mars makes a once in a lifetime approach on 27 August
Steam Power Might Help in Space Exploration
This strange rock on Mars is forcing us to rethink the Red Planet’s history
Graphic depiction of Marsbee - Swarm of Flapping Wing Flyers for Enhanced Mars Exploration. Credits: C. Kang.
Graphic depiction of Marsbee – Swarm of Flapping Wing Flyers for Enhanced Mars Exploration. Credits: C. Kang.

Robot bees have been invented before, but Mars might be a place for them to serve a unique purpose. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the Japanese chemist Eijio Miyako led a team at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in developing robotic bees. So they’re not really bees; they’re drones. Miyako’s bee drones are actually capable of a form of pollination similar to real bees.

Bees have been the prime subject of many a sci-fi films including The Savage Bees (1976), The Swarm (1978), and Terror Out of the Sky (1978). In the 21st century, bees have been upgraded. Their robotic counterparts shall have an important role to play in future scientific exploration. And this role could very well be played out on the surface of Mars.

Now, NASA has begun to fund a project to create other AI-steered robotic bees for the future exploration of Mars. The main cause of experimenting with such mini robots is for the desirable need for speed. The problem is this: the traditional rovers sent to Mars in the past move very slowly. NASA anticipates an army of fliers to move significantly faster than their snail-like predecessors.

A number of researchers in Alabama are currently collaborating with a group based in Japan to design these mechanical drones. Sizewise the drones are very similar to real bees; however, the wings are unnaturally large. The lengthened wingspan was a well-needed feature to add since the Red Planet’s atmosphere is thinner compared to Earth’s. These small insect-like robots have been dubbed “Marsbees.”

If used, the Marsbees would travel in swarms and be able to return to some sort of a base, not unlike the way bees return to their hive. The base would likely be a rover providing a place for the Marsbees to be reenergized. But they would not have to come to this rover station to send out the information they’ve accumulated. Similar to satellites, they would be able to transmit their findings wirelessly. Marsbees would also likely be able to collect a variety of data. If their full development is feasible and economical, the future for Marsbees looks promising.

Tags: AIbeesdroneearthEijio MiyakofilmHiveinsectJapanMarsmars rovermarsbeespollinationred planetrobotroboticsroversci-fiterror out of the skythe savage beesthe swarmwings

ShareTweetShare
John Tuttle

John Tuttle

I am a nonfiction ebook author, freelance writer, blogger, photographer, and short filmmaker. I have a passion for the media and for science, history, cinema, travel, literature, art, education, and my Catholic faith. I can be reached via email at jptuttleb9@gmail.com.

Related Posts

Neurology

Japan’s Stem Cell Scientists Claim Breakthrough in Parkinson’s Treatment

byMihai Andrei
3 days ago
Mind & Brain

AI and Brain Scans Reveal Why You Struggle to Recognize Faces of People of Other Races

byTibi Puiu
3 days ago
Future

A New AI Tool Can Recreate Your Face Using Nothing But Your DNA

byTibi Puiu
7 days ago
Future

Japan 3D printed a train station. It only took 6 hours

byRupendra Brahambhatt
1 week ago

Recent news

Scientists Blasted Human Cells With 5G Radiation and the Results Are In

May 15, 2025

Orange Cats Are Genetically Unlike Any Other Mammal and Now We Know Why

May 15, 2025

Scientists Found ‘Anti Spicy’ Compounds That Make Hot Peppers Taste Milder

May 15, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.