Walmart Files Patent for Robotic Bees

Walmart has filed six patents over the past year for the development of drones intended for agricultural use, including artificial pollination of plants. According to Newsweek, the patent application states that the number of natural pollinators, such as bees, has been steadily declining in recent years, leading to reduced crop yields. To address this, Walmart proposes the creation of remotely controlled drones that would perform cross-pollination like bees, transferring pollen from flower to flower.

The drones would use special sensors and cameras to identify pollen, and “sticky bristles” to collect and hold it. In addition to pollination drones, Walmart has patented drones designed to detect agricultural pests and apply pesticides directly to affected plants. The patent claims this will help farmers reduce chemical costs. Walmart also suggests using drones for crop monitoring.

Other Developments in Artificial Pollinators

Walmart’s scientists are not the first to consider creating artificial bees. Last year, Japanese researchers from the AIST institute developed drone bees for artificial pollination. These are miniature quadcopters weighing about 15 grams and measuring around 4 centimeters, camouflaged with bee-like coloring. Their “antennae” are made from horsehair coated with a sticky gel. Thanks to their light weight, they can land on flowers without damaging them, collect pollen using an electric charge, and transfer it to neighboring flowers.

Back in 2013, Harvard University demonstrated the first prototypes of robotic bees that could take off from flat surfaces and fly. By 2015, developers had taught them to stick to surfaces, dive, and swim underwater. In 2017, they managed to make them take off from underwater by overcoming surface tension with a small explosion. However, these prototypes are not yet capable of pollinating plants.