China has developed a "fly-eye" for drones that provides panoramic vision and a scent sensor

Chinese scientists have created a mini-eye with “smell” – the first step toward micro‑drones

*While fully functional spherical fly eyes do not yet exist, an simplified version is already ready. This device measures 1.5 × 1.5 mm – almost as small as the insect itself – and can both see and “sniff.”*

What is this gadget?

- Platform: a flexible flat photodetector substrate on which all components are printed.

- Optical part: 1027 microlenses, cut by femtosecond two‑photon polymerization.
- Each lens is isolated, giving a 180° field of view.
- The system responds to light flashes at > 1 kHz – almost two orders of magnitude faster than the human eye – so the artificial eye captures quicker movements.

- Olfactory part: an array of colorimetric sensors printed by inkjet.
- When exposed to hazardous gases they change colour (like a fly’s “nose”).
- Mini‑bristles are placed between lenses – they retain moisture and protect against fogging in humid conditions.

How does it work in practice?

Tests were conducted on a four‑wheel micro‑drone:

1. Navigation
- The system detected obstacles to the left, right, and straight ahead without needing to turn its “head” thanks to panoramic vision.

2. Reaction to chemical threats
- The sensor responded almost instantly to hazardous gas leaks.

3. Efficiency
- Compared with existing sensors, the device proved more compact and energy‑efficient while demonstrating superior sensitivity to rapid movements.

What does this mean for the future?

- Micro‑drones and robot swarms: thanks to its miniature size and low mass, drones as small as a cockroach or even a fly can be built to perform complex tasks in hard‑to‑reach places.

- Independent navigation: combined vision‑smell provides faster reaction to environmental changes.

- Safety: the ability to instantly detect chemical threats makes the sensor useful for rescue operations and disaster monitoring.

Thus, this Chinese development paves the way for next‑generation autonomous systems where “bio‑robots” can see, sense smells, and act without large energy consumption.