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[ShadowFox]

The toy-sized drones are being developed for tricky urban missions so that they can zip around tight places.

They could fly into urban environments to detect biological agents.

Funded by Nasa and the US Air Force, the unmanned, sensor-packed craft in development could be on missions in two to three years, say researchers.

By watching how seagulls alter their wing shape, and using morphing techniques, the agile craft can squeeze through confined spaces, such as alleyways, and change direction rapidly.

The micro air vehicles (MAVs) could automatically find their way to monitor locations, such as apartment blocks, where suspicious activity is detected.

Although a relatively new area, it is not such a challenge to get a craft to morph.

It is more of a challenge to do it under autopilot, Dr Rick Lind, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, told the BBC News website.

Fly like a bird

"The ultimate aim is to have an on-board autopilot so it can fly by itself through cities to search for bio-agents."

Essentially, the researchers want to take the human out of the loop.


The Rest can be read Here!

Source: BBC News

[ShadowFox]

Looks like it's just another way to be monitored by the governement...go figure! Just like the RFID ordeal!