The idea behind Lockheed's new Samurai drone is to mimic the motion of the helicopterish maple seeds we amused ourselves with as kids to create a simple flying mechanism. The stripped down design lets the drone operate with just two moving parts, and come in at about a foot long. It's a prototype for now, but when it makes it to the field it'll be operated by remote control, and will be carried into the field in a lightweight backpack.
Science fiction fans may be reminded of devices like
Perching Ambush Drones
'On the chest of drawers something was perched.' - Philip K. Dick, 1956.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!)
is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for
the Invention Category that interests
you, the Glossary, the Invention
Timeline, or see what's New.
'If Anyone Is Watching Earth...'
'Our study of your race has convinced us that you are not fitted to leave your planet in the present state of your civilization.'
Tactile Skin Supplier Map
'What strange sensitivity! What an amazing development of science was manifested in every move and act and word of this Robot!'