The RoboBee is a Research robot developed by Harvard University (Switzerland), launched 2009.
RoboScore
Weak evidence
No confirmed deployment on record — this score reflects the rest of the record, not verified adoption.
2 of 9 signals present
Recomputed nightly from public data. Missing data is skipped, never zero-filled — and rankings are never for sale.
Weighted factors
average of the 2 scored · blanks don't count
Not in the Research standing. The standings cover robots first sold from 2020 onward, and this one launched in 2009. Its Robo Score above is unaffected — the score is the evidence, the standing is only who it is listed against.
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Overview
RoboBee is a small flapping-wing robot modeled on the bee, designed to create a colony of robotic bees that mimic the behavior of real bees. The insect-inspired robot is intended to perform search and reconnaissance operations, especially where humans cannot go. With a modular, easy-to-fabricate design, RoboBee is equipped with bio-inspired actuators, sensors, and flying control mechanisms. The robot can steer in midair, land and swim in water, hover and pivot, and fly untethered while powered by lasers and solar cells.
At a glance
- Built for distributed environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations and crop pollination
- Used across research and agriculture
- Navigates using vision
Buyer decision signals
Viability
RoboBee landing system featured in Science Robotics cover story
Price
Published figures are build cost or program budget, not a purchase price
Availability
Specifications
Category: Research- Speed
- 1 m/s
- Weight
- 0.26 kg
- Autonomy
- partially autonomous
- Launch year
- 2009
- Price
- Research platform
- Status
- active
Published figures are build cost or program budget, not a purchase price
Detailed specifications
What it is built for3
- Applications
- environmental monitoring,disaster surveillance,artificial pollination
- Sub Category
- microrobot
- Industries Served
- research,agriculture
Movement & precision1
- Navigation Type
- vision
Power & runtime1
- Auto Charging
- true
Controls & integration1
- Sensor Suite
- optical flow,inertial motion unit (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer)
Buying & support3
- Model Variants
- RoboBee,RoboBee X-Wing
- Availability Status
- research-only
- Countries Available
- US
Company milestones
- 2021AwardRoboBee landing system featured in Science Robotics cover story
- 2016MilestoneScience Friday highlights swarm and perching capabilities
- 2013MilestoneControlled flight milestone published
- 2012MilestoneRoboBee becomes a Harvard microrobotics program
Frequently asked questions
- Who makes the RoboBee?
- The RoboBee is developed by Harvard University, based in Switzerland.
- What type of robot is the RoboBee?
- The RoboBee is a Research robot made by Harvard University.
- How much does the RoboBee cost?
- Pricing for the RoboBee is not publicly listed — contact Harvard University for a quote.
- When was the RoboBee launched?
- The RoboBee was launched in 2009.
Reviews for RoboBee
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