Scientists at work on bugbots

Hovering above a number of recent public events, spectators are claiming to have seen small, insect-like spy devices. No agency admits to having deployed insect-size spy drones. But a number of U.S. government and private entities acknowledge they are trying.

The Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems project aims to create literal shutterbugs -- camera-toting insects whose nerves have grown into their internal silicon chip so that wranglers can control their activities. DARPA researchers are also raising cyborg beetles with power for various instruments to be generated by their muscles.

The robobugs could follow suspects, guide missiles to targets or navigate the crannies of collapsed buildings to find survivors.

Read full story in The Washington Post