TLDR · SCIENCE & FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY
CHINESE RESEARCHERS CREATE FOUR-GRAM DRONE THAT MIGHT FLY FOREVER
Summary from the TLDR newsletter
Chinese researchers have created a solar powered drone that weighs just over four grams. It uses an electrostatic motor that weighs just 1.52 grams and is powered by solar cells that produce 4.5V. Its design has a lift-to-power efficiency two to three times better than that found in traditional drones. Adding batteries to the drone would make it capable of 24-hour flying operations.