14 DAY TRIAL // Hornets are indeed some very aggressive insects which must be avoided in order not to get stung; but, who might have guessed that these evil social wasps, that can reach 4,5 cm (1,5 inch), could be the model for new war weaponry ?
With the same ability to fly, chase and kill, a robot nicknamed 'bionic hornet' that is no bigger than a real hornet and is capable of navigating its way down narrow alleyways to target otherwise unreachable enemies (such as rocket launchers) is being developed by Israeli scientists to combat militants.
The developing of the futuristic weaponized bug is based on nanotechnology. This new weapon would be able to chase, photograph and eliminate targets, handling it quite easy in urban landscapes. The robot will have super-gloves that give the user controlling the robot the strength of a 'bionic man,' and miniature sensors to detect suicide bombers.
When detecting a terrorist, the robotic hornet can be used to blow him up. The new research into Israel's security set-up will find creative solutions to problems the army has been unable to address.
"The war in Lebanon proved that we need smaller weaponry. It's illogical to send a plane worth $100 million against a suicidal terrorist. So we are building futuristic weapons." said Israel's Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Prototypes of the new weapons are expected within three years.
Also in the works is a bionic hand that will give the wearer additional strength and special devices that would detect would-be suicide bombers from the distance.