The Ornithopter Is Back

Ornithopters - machines that fly by flapping their wings - have been kind of a staple of, well, things that seemed like a good idea but didn't actually work.

Now, an international team of roboticists (remember when that word was science fiction? If so, sorry, you're old) have designed a small drone that flies with criss-cross, flapping wings.

The design can fit into smaller spaces than traditional "copter" drones, fly through trees without damaging them, and is energy efficient.

Not to mention being cool.

Near sci fi writers, pay attention.