GoKawiilMIT flying robot uses AI controller to fly 450% faster and do 10 somersaults
MIT researchers built an AI-based two-part control system for their insect-scale flying robot, boosting its top speed by roughly 450 percent and acceleration by about 250 percent over prior versions. The upgraded robot managed ten consecutive body flips in 11 seconds while resisting wind gusts, matching flight traits seen in real insects.
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Tiny drones capable of insect-like agility could eventually squeeze through rubble and tight spaces to locate survivors after disasters like earthquakes, a task too risky or physically impossible for larger quadcopters. Achieving insect-level speed and maneuverability while keeping computation lightweight is a major hurdle for microrobotics, so this advance signals that such search-and-rescue tools may be closer to real-world deployment.
- MIT's insect-scale robot gained 450% more speed and 250% more acceleration using a new AI controller.
- The robot completed 10 consecutive somersaults in 11 seconds despite wind disturbances.
- The advance moves microrobots closer to practical use in disaster search-and-rescue scenarios.
DJI Neo Mini Drone — If tiny agile flying robots fascinate you, the DJI Neo lets you experience compact, propeller-guarded flight firsthand with autonomous tracking features. It's a fun, approachable way to explore small-scale aerial robotics similar in spirit to MIT's research. Great for hobbyists curious about the future of micro-drone technology.
See DJI Neo Mini Drone on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: sciencedaily.com, 2026-09-22
Published there as: “MIT’s tiny flying robot gets 450% faster with AI”
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