The RoboBee is a Research robot developed by Harvard University (Switzerland), launched 2009.
Robo Index
Weak evidence
4 of 10 signals present
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Weighted factors
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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.
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
Sensors1
- Sensor Suite
- optical flow,inertial motion unit (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer)
Other12
- Applications
- environmental monitoring,disaster surveillance,artificial pollination
- Sub Category
- microrobot
- Auto Charging
- true
- Model Variants
- RoboBee,RoboBee X-Wing
- Company Country
- US
- Navigation Type
- vision
- Deployment Notes
- First untethered flight at Harvard Microrobotics Lab; published in Nature 2019.
- Youtube Video Id
- K9Jh9IIByHg
- Industries Served
- research,agriculture
- Availability Status
- research-only
- Countries Available
- US
- Additional Information
- First untethered flight achieved in August.,Incorporates high efficiency solar cells.,Research supported by the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research.,Potential applications in minimally-invasive surgical devices, wearable sensors, assistive robots, and haptic communication devices.
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
In the news
- Pudu Robotics and Robobee Forge Strategic Partnership with Denner
ANTARA News · Jun 11, 2026
- Pudu Robotics and Robobee Forge Strategic Partnership with Denner
ANTARA News · Jun 11, 2026
- Pudu Robotics and Robobee Forge Strategic Partnership…
AAP News · Jun 9, 2026
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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