Scientists developed a tiny camera that can be put on a beetle. The camera records where the bug goes. This gives scientists a bug's-eye view of the world. The researchers say the camera will explore places never seen before. A researcher explained why the camera could be useful. He said: "Insects can traverse rocky environments, which is really challenging for robots to do at this scale. So this system can also help us out by letting us see...hard-to-navigate spaces." He said: "This is the first time that we've had a first-person view from the back of a beetle while it's walking around."
The scientists are from the University of Washington. Their camera is light enough for bugs to wear. It weighs just 250 grams* and can record five frames per second. A researcher said: "We have created a low-power, low-weight, wireless camera system that can capture...what's happening from an actual live insect." He said a big challenge was making the battery. It had to be small and light, with enough power to last a few hours. The researchers said no beetles were hurt in their tests. They said all the beetles "lived for at least a year" after the experiments finished.
* Error: The camera weighs 250 milligrams and not 250 grams.