Hovering drone inspired by swimming jellyfish

Scientists have built what they say is the first flying machine that can hover in a stable manner by flapping its wings.

Previous designs for so-called flapping wing aircraft have mimicked the wing motions of insects, but the new design is based on the way jellyfish swim.

The prototype, built by scientists at New York University, is able to keep upright and recover from disturbances.

The researchers say their machine shows the value of looking at flying strategies that have not yet been explored in evolution.

Footage courtesy of New York University