Unmanned aerial vehicles may get all the headlines, but they’re not the only flying robots in town. Micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs) are their smaller cousins. These tiny devices could be the key to improving search and rescue, agriculture, and other key industries.
Until recently, MAVs lacked any substantial capabilities. However, a team of researchers recently unveiled an upgraded flying insect that can outperform previous versions by orders of magnitude. Here’s what you need to know.
Micro–Aerial Vehicles (MAVs)
Micro-aerial vehicles are a subsector of flying vehicles. They have a miniature size resembling insects and are designed for close-in actions and support. They are ideal for scenarios where size is a restraint to the goal of the project. Notably, MAVs could one day improve mapping, rescue operations, surveillance, and agriculture.
Existing Problems
MAVs are more than shrunk-down versions of their larger UAV counterparts. These devices often rely on mimicking nature to achieve their locomotion. It’s common for MAVs to utilize flapping wing designs. This structure provides the ability to hover and fly efficiently. However, some serious drawbacks have made creating reliable MAVs difficult.
For one, flying on such a tiny scale means that the device is extremely vulnerable to interference from outside factors. Strong winds, changes in air density, rain, and other factors are just a few examples of conditions that could restrict Mavs flight capability/s
Additionally, there is a mechanical strain on MAVs. Their miniature wings must flap hundreds of times a second to achieve lift. This action puts incredible wear and torque on the wings, hinges, gears, and other internal components, resulting in an increased chance of failure.
Capabilities Needed
Aside from the shorter life span that MAVs experience, they are also far less capable than larger bots. The current designs can only hover for less than 10 seconds. Additionally, they are incapable of completing any but the most basic trajectories. Thankfully, these tiny devices are about to get a major upgrade.
Micro–Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) Upgrade Study
MIT researchers recently unveiled a variety of upgrades to their MAVs in a study called ‘Acrobatics at the Insect Scale: A Durable, precise, and Agile micro–-aerial robot’1. The report demonstrated how the improvements enable more flight precision while minimizing stress on the device. The upgraded MAVs experienced enhanced durability and were tested using shock and wind tests. The new wing design demonstrated a resilience to impact and tear.
Testing Phase
The scientist created an advanced 750-milligram flapping-wing MAV as part of their testing phase. This device featured artificial wings based on insect designs, including stems supported by thin transparent wings.
Source – MIT
Flight Capabilities
The MAV conducted multiple flight tests to examine its capabilities. Unlike predecessors, the upgraded device was capable of complex flight trajectories and even acrobatics like flips. The team conducted several aerial flips on command, showcasing just how agile the new design is over competitors.
The MIT MAV is faster as well. The unit demonstrated an average speed of 30 centimeters per second, topping off at around 100 cps. When combined with the added agility, they show massive upgrades in performance within the MAV sector.
Payloads
One of the most interesting findings of the study is that the new MAV can carry a small payload. For the time being, this payload could include batteries to extend flight times or added sensors to provide more control or observation capabilities.
Milestone Results
The test results revealed some impressive gains. For example, the MIT MAV hovered for 1000 seconds. This time is longer than all other MAV flight times combined. As such, it represents a milestone for engineers and the entire market.
Notably, The MAV is far more agile than its predecessor, enabling the unit to maneuver through tight and hard-to-reach locations. When used with future swarm technology, it could result in teams of super-fast MAVs combining forces to complete tasks that exceed their capabilities.
The upgraded wings, motors, and hinges provided many benefits to the MAV performance. For one, the MIT MAVs demonstrated much faster speeds and added maneuverability. Additionally, they could handle more impacts, especially along the thin wing, while flapping, resulting in a longer lifespan.
Future Applications
Several applications for MAVs could help to change the lives of people globally. The following are a few of the top examples:
Artificial Pollination
These tiny devices can be used to replicate natural occurrences such as pollination. Robotic pollination has long been a goal of indoor garden enthusiasts who see the tech as a step towards sustainability. This same tech could one day help keep space travelers alive by enabling their indoor gardens to flourish.
Search and Rescue
One prime application for his technology is in the search and rescue sector. Tiny robots like this could travel through tight wreckage. They could be fitted with sensors to help them locate life and communicate with people trapped in rubble or other hard-to-reach locations. They could even carry a small payload like a pain killer to the person if needed.
Using Micro–Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) to Survey
Imagine a swarm of MAVs conducting mapping on a region. These units could get accurate and enclosed measurements that could be combined to create a more in-depth and accurate map of locations. The added sensor could enable real-time tracking of the area as well. This capability could be especially useful in monitoring environmental risks.
Military Applications for Micro–Aerial Vehicles (MAVs)
The military is a strong supporter of MAV technology. Their use for surveillance is a key factor driving support for the technology. Swarms of MAVs could surveil large areas with minimal risk of loss. Additionally, they could be used for targeting and more.
Agriculture
The agriculture and farming sectors could use MAV in a variety of ways. These devices could be used to fight off bugs and other pests. Additionally, they could be set up to check crops for disease or other ailments. There are also discussions of using swarms for planting and nutrient distribution.
Beneficiaries
Several industries would benefit from the MAV upgrades described in the MIT researcher’s study. Some companies could use this tech to create smaller and more capable drones, enabling these devices to provide more service. Here is one company that could gain from integration.
Northrop Grumman (NOC -0.53%) entered the market officially in 1994 following a purchase by Northrop Corporation. The company operates as a large military contractor and research firm. Today, it’s one of the most well-known military drone manufacturers. Their devices can be used for defense, assault, reconnaissance, target acquisition, or communications.
Recently, Northop Grumman unveiled its Fire Scout autonomous helicopter. This device was commissioned by the US NAVY to enhance its firepower and surveillance capabilities. It features a modular design that can be fitted with different sensors based on mission requirements.
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC -0.53%)
Northrop Grumman has outperformed most stocks in the military drone sector. It has consecutively raised dividend distribution for 21 years, equalling an 11% increase. If the company were to step into the MAV sector, it could see major returns due to its positioning and experience with UAVs.
Micro–Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) are Here
The use of MAVs will increase sharply over the next decade. These tiny robots will see more performance upgrades like the ones described in this study. Additionally, improvements in battery life will enable these units to fly longer and farther. For now, MAVs are a budding technology worth watching.
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Study Reference:
1. Kim, S., et al. (2025). Acrobatics at the insect scale: A durable, precise, and agile micro–aerial robot. Science Robotics, 10, eadp4256. https://doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.adp4256
