Bees Become Tiny Power Plants with New Technology
Delft, Sunday, 27 April 2025.
Researchers developed a 46 mg device that harnesses bee wing vibrations to produce electricity, achieving 5.66 volts. This innovation allows bees to aid in powering small devices without hindrance.
Groundbreaking AgriTech Innovation
Scientists from the Beijing Institute of Technology and Sun Yat-sen University have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in agricultural technology. The team, led by Professor Jieliang Zhao, developed a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) that transforms bees’ natural thoracic vibrations into electrical power [1][2]. This innovative device operates by matching the bees’ natural vibration frequency of 210-220 Hz, enabling efficient energy conversion without compromising the insects’ flight capabilities [3].
Technical Specifications and Performance
The ultralight device, constructed using laser-cut copper substrates and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) films, generates an impressive maximum voltage output of 5.66 volts with a power density of 1.27 milliwatts per cubic centimeter [2][3]. Published in Cyborg and Bionic Systems on February 26, 2025, the research demonstrates that bees maintain normal flight patterns while carrying the device, with test subjects showing the ability to recover from aerial flips within two seconds [4].
Future Applications and Potential
The technology represents a significant advance in developing self-sustaining insect cyborg systems. According to Dr. Jianing Wu from Sun Yat-sen University, this innovation eliminates the need for bulky batteries that previously comprised up to 80% of total payload weight [1][5]. The research team is now exploring applications for environmental monitoring and disaster response scenarios, with plans to extend this technology to other flying insects such as dragonflies and butterflies [3].