Tiny solar-powered drones could stay in the air forever

A drone weighing just 4 grams is the smallest solar-powered aerial vehicle to fly yet, thanks to its unusual electrostatic motor and tiny solar panels that produce extremely high voltages. Although the hummingbird-sized prototype only operated for an hour, its makers say their approach could result in insect-sized drones that can stay in the air indefinitely. Tiny drones are an attractive solution to a range of communications, spying and search-and-rescue problems, but they are hampered by poor battery life, while solar-powered versions struggle to generate enough power to sustain themselves. Learn more ➤ Subscribe ➤ Get more from New Scientist: Official website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: About New Scientist: New Scientist was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”. Today our website, videos, newsletters, app, podcast and print magazine cover the world’s most important, exciting and entertaining science news as well as asking the big-picture questions about life, the universe, and what it means to be human. New Scientist