Register

Could Tiny Drones Replace Honeybees?

A group of Japanese scientists is working on a drone solution for the declining honeybee problem. Wikimedia Commons/Kabir Bakie
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Honeybee populations in North America and Europe are declining significantly, with approximately 45% of colonies dying annually.
  • Japanese scientists are exploring the use of tiny drones to address pollination deficits caused by the bee decline.
  • These hummingbird-sized drones are designed to mimic honeybee flight and pollination, using horsehair and gel to collect and transfer pollen.
  • A major challenge is developing autonomous control for the drones, currently requiring human operation, and they cannot produce honey.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The ever-dwindling population of honeybees in North America and Europe is not a new problem. With a few rare blips on the survival tracking charts, nearly 45 percent of honeybee colonies still die annually. A group of Japanese scientists, however, believe a tiny drone could become a solution to the pollination deficit caused by the decline in the bee populations, if they can control the drones, of course.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE