Michael Dickinson of Caltech led the creation this cute robot called "Bride of Robofly" to measure the forces of different parts of insect wings as they flapped.
"Scientifically speaking, insect flight was shrouded in mystery for much of the 20th century and even now is haunted by enigmas.
Studies have shown how insects fly by frantically flapping their wings and taking advantage of physical forces too microscopic to be exploited by airplanes. Now scientists are beginning to investigate how insects' brains, although extremely tiny, can manage the incredibly complex motions required for them to stay aloft."