The US Defense Advanced Research robotic Team ( DARPA ) has developed robots the size of insects for use in natural disaster zones , as part of its Short - Range Independent robotic Platforms ( SHRIMP ) programme . DARPA plans to use actuator materials and mechanisms to counter the loss of power and control that such a small device will have compared to larger robotics . From March 2019 , the SHRIMP robot will undergo testing of its capabilities in jumping , lifting , uphill movement and overall mobility . it expects $ 500 m to help fund research and development .
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has developed microrobotics the size of insects for use in natural disaster zones, as part of its Short-Range Independent Microrobotics Platforms (SHRIMP) programme. DARPA plans to use actuator materials and mechanisms to counter the loss of power and control that such a small device will have compared to larger robotics. From March 2019, the SHRIMP robot will undergo testing of its capabilities in jumping, lifting, uphill movement and overall effectiveness. DARPA expects $32m to help fund research and development.