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Harvard Researchers Turn Fruit Flies into Microrobots

8/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Harvard's Rowland Institute researchers have created a method to control fruit flies as microrobots for precise navigation.
The flies can be guided to trace patterns, such as "HELLO WORLD," using visual and light cues.
This technique utilizes the flies' natural reflexes, reducing reliance on external power sources.
Possible applications include environmental monitoring and search-and-rescue missions.

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Story summary

Harvard's Rowland Institute researchers have created a method to control fruit flies as microrobots for precise navigation.
The flies can be guided to trace patterns, such as "HELLO WORLD," using visual and light cues.
This technique utilizes the flies' natural reflexes, reducing reliance on external power sources.
Possible applications include environmental monitoring and search-and-rescue missions.