Russia develops ‘Spy Rock’ surveillance device

Russian Air Force Academy cadets have developed a new robot disguised as a stone for use in military surveillance, the Russia Defense Ministry’s Zvezda news channel reported.

In a video uploaded on social media last week, the camouflaged surveillance device “the size of a small pet” navigated grassy terrain using caterpillar wheels. A mini-camera mounted on top of the device was also displayed in the footage.

The robot has a passive battery life that allows it to collect, process, and transmit information for 15 hours, Zvezda said. Its operator can be positioned up to two kilometers (1.2 miles) away to operate the “spy rock.”