Russia unveiled pigeon bio-drones for monitoring.

      Birds are equipped with neural interfaces that allow an operator to remotely direct their flight. According to Vedomosti, electrodes are implanted into a pigeon's brain and connected to a stimulator in a small backpack on the bird's back. The operator uploads a flight task, after which the stimulator delivers pulses that guide the pigeon. Positioning is performed using GPS and other navigation technologies. Researchers say they aim to ensure 100 percent survival of the birds after the operation. One of the key advantages of biodrones is the lack of need for training — after the operation any bird becomes remotely controllable. Thanks to onboard electronics and solar panels, biodrones can operate for long periods and cover large distances. The technology can also be adapted for other bird species: for example, crows to carry heavier loads, gulls for monitoring coastal areas, and albatrosses for monitoring oceanic areas. It is also reported that neurostimulators for agriculture are being developed in parallel, including projects to increase milk yields and weight gains in animals.