University of Illinois shows 'RoboBat' in action

URBANA, Ill., June 4 (UPI) -- The University of Illinois unveiled a prototype robotic bat drone designed for use in construction sites -- and presumably for the construction of nightmares.

The pending robot apocalypse took a leap forward this week when the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Aerospace Robotics and Control Laboratory shared a YouTube video of an in-development "RoboBat," a camera drone based on the design of nature's least-loved flying creature.

The researchers said the RoboBat's wing-flapping design uses less energy than the usual propeller-powered drones and would be ideal for use in construction sites.

"The bats would fly around, pay attention, and compare the building information model to the actual building that's being constructed," the university said on its website.

The researchers said the RoboBats could also one day be used to deliver packages.