Researchers in the UK and the US have beenawarded a grantto build microrobots that simulate the buzzing of bees.
The tiny robots are the size of a fingernail and weigh a quarter of a honeybee.
Gaining a better understanding of which flying critters buzz best and how they do it could improve agriculture.
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Vallejo-Marin’s project is one of several recent efforts to make bee robots.
Researchers at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands are working to create flying bee machines.
The current prototype bee robot can fly for six minutes.
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One out of every three bites of healthy food we eat is pollinated by honey bees and other pollinators.
“Estimates put it at about 1 to 2% decline per year.
Climate change is also a factor.
“A more important problem is water.
Reducing the use of insecticides is critical.
“Rethink mega-agriculture and return to buying from local small farmers,” Wiggins said.
“Rethink our US standards of lawn “beauty” and move away from perfection to one of balance.
Lawns should be homes to insects, not wastelands.”
