At the 2025 World Robot Conference, China unveiled bionic robotic birds that highlight a new frontier in intelligent military and surveillance technology.
These robotic birds can fly autonomously, conduct real-time target recognition, and transmit images back to command centers. Once a target is detected, the system can relay information to allied units or coordinate support from nearby robotic partners. Unlike conventional drones powered by propellers, these machines take off and maneuver using flapping wings. In flight, they closely mimic real birds – lightweight, quiet, and agile – making them nearly indistinguishable from actual birds to the naked eye.
Flapping-wing aircraft come in various models: large ones inspired by eagles, nimble ones resembling falcons, and compact versions modeled after sparrows. These robotic “flocks” can be deployed across diverse terrains, selecting bird types suited to local environments to blend seamlessly into natural bird populations – providing exceptional stealth for reconnaissance missions.
Compared with rotorcraft, flapping-wing drones generate less noise and operate on unconventional aerodynamic principles, posing greater engineering challenges. Researchers continue to focus on improving flight stability, posture control, and energy efficiency – key hurdles to unlocking their full operational potential.
Source: CCTV, October 12, 2025
https://military.cctv.com/2025/10/12/ARTIOpbQHKiP4DLH0Ht1kYbs251012.shtml