PULLMAN, Wash. – There is a new insect on the scene, but it is not invasive.

Researchers at Washington State University have successfully built a robotic “bee” that can fly.

The bee, known as Bee++, has four carbon fiber wings and is the first of its kind to stably fly in all directions.

Mechanical Engineering Professor Nestor Perez-Arancibia says researchers have been working to develop artificial flying insects for more than 30 years.

He says they could be used for pollination, research, environmental monitoring, and even search and rescue efforts in tight spaces.

WSU researchers are also working to develop other insect robots, including crawlers and water striders.