Tornyol
"Silent, chemical-free, always-on"
Tornyol, a Paris-based YC-backed startup, builds a 40g autonomous drone that uses ultrasonic phased-array sonar to hunt mosquitoes.
Tornyol is a France-based startup, part of Y Combinator's Fall 2025 batch, developing an autonomous micro-drone designed to detect and physically intercept mosquitoes in flight. The company was founded by Clovis Piedallu, a French engineer specializing in autonomous systems, and Alex Toussaint, a specialist in aerial guidance, navigation, and ultrasonic sensing who previously worked at missile-systems maker MBDA on navigation systems. Tornyol's core product is a roughly 40-gram drone built around repurposed low-cost hardware components, including a smartphone-grade microphone array and automotive parking-sensor ultrasonic transducers, combined into what the company calls an ultrasonic phased-array sonar system. The sonar array emits ultrasonic pulses and analyzes the wing-beat Doppler signature of the returned echo to detect flying insects, with the company stating the system can distinguish mosquito species and sex from other flying insects before intercepting the target. The drone is designed to operate silently, without chemical pesticides, and to run continuously ('always-on') to provide ongoing localized mosquito suppression, positioning it as an alternative to fogging, larvicide treatments, and bed nets in urban and residential settings. The company states its long-term goal is to reduce the cost of mosquito control by roughly 100x compared to conventional methods, with an aim toward contributing to reduction of mosquito-borne disease transmission in dense urban environments. Tornyol has received a $28,000 grant reportedly linked to Scott Alexander and Vitalik Buterin, in addition to Y Combinator backing. As of its YC application the team was seven people. The product remains in active development: the company has publicly described testing detection and interception performance in simulation while working toward real-world hardware validation, and it is taking refundable $100 pre-order deposits alongside a proposed subscription-style service priced around $50 per month for the eventual commercial offering. The company has not published detailed technical specifications, flight endurance figures, or third-party validation data for the interception system beyond descriptions on its own website and Y Combinator profile.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Tornyol
- Price: 1100
40-gram autonomous micro-drone that uses ultrasonic phased-array sonar with 32 emitters and 380 microphones to detect and intercept mosquitoes.
LeSonar2
Open-source ultrasonic phased-array sonar development kit with 32 emitters and 380 microphones for active and passive acoustic 3D imaging.
Company Facts
Founded
2025
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
employees 1-10
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Lucid Bots Expands Drone Platform with New Power Tether and Enhanced Capabilities
Lucid Bots, led by CEO Andrew Ashur, is expanding its drone platform to include the Power Tether, which provides continuous electricity to UAVs. Founded in 2018, the Charlotte-based company has grown rapidly, employing around 80 people and serving over 400 customers across more than 40 states and three continents. The expansion into manufacturing the Power Tether is significant as it enhances the operational capabilities of Lucid Bots' drones, which are designed to replace hazardous human labor in exterior cleaning. Ashur's vision was inspired by the dangers faced by window washers, highlighting the need for safer alternatives in the cleaning industry. Looking ahead, Lucid Bots plans to ramp up production to manufacture 25 spraying drones and an equal number of Power Tethers each month. The company's innovative approach positions it to meet the growing global demand for efficient and safe exterior cleaning solutions, ensuring the maintenance of valuable real estate assets.
Drone News Drone News Feeds News Products aerial robotics American Made Drones
Innovative FiberMotor Technology Enhances Soft Robotics and Wearable Devices
Researchers have developed a novel FiberMotor that operates similarly to a telescope, providing enhanced power for soft robots and wearable technology. This advancement is significant as it opens new possibilities for the integration of robotics in various applications, particularly in health and personal devices. The importance of this innovation lies in its potential to revolutionize the design and functionality of soft robotics and wearables, making them more efficient and versatile. By utilizing this FiberMotor technology, developers can create lighter and more adaptable devices, which could lead to improved user experiences and expanded use cases. Looking ahead, the focus will be on the practical applications of the FiberMotor in real-world scenarios. Researchers and developers will likely explore its integration into existing systems and assess its performance in various environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Innovation Science
Surgical Robots for Membrane Surgery Seek to Address Planning Discrepancies
Surgical robots designed for membrane surgery are striving to evolve into comprehensive intelligent systems. However, a significant challenge remains: the discrepancies between preoperative planning and the actual conditions encountered during surgery. This issue is critical as it directly impacts the effectiveness and safety of surgical procedures. Addressing these discrepancies is essential for enhancing the reliability of surgical robots, ensuring they can adapt to real-time conditions and improve patient outcomes. Looking ahead, the focus will be on developing solutions that bridge the gap between planned and actual surgical environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
The Role of Intelligent Automation in Transforming the Global Economy
The robot market is increasingly vital for enhancing productivity, safety, quality, and operational resilience across various sectors. Robots are no longer limited to traditional roles; they now sort parcels in warehouses, assist in surgeries, inspect industrial equipment, support food production, and address ongoing labor shortages in manufacturing. This evolution in robotics signifies a major shift in how businesses operate, leveraging advanced automation to streamline processes and improve efficiency. The integration of robots into diverse applications highlights their importance in modern economies, as companies seek innovative solutions to meet growing demands and challenges. Looking ahead, the continued expansion of the robot market will likely lead to further advancements in intelligent automation technologies. As businesses increasingly adopt these solutions, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on productivity and workforce dynamics. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Aishida Faces Over $1 Billion in Losses While Investing in Humanoid Robots
Aishida has reported non-recurring losses exceeding $1 billion over the past six years as it shifts its focus towards humanoid robotics. This strategic pivot highlights the company's commitment to innovation in a competitive market, aiming to leverage advancements in robotics technology. The significance of Aishida's investment in humanoid robots lies in its potential to transform the landscape of robotics applications. By prioritizing humanoid technology, Aishida seeks to address the growing demand for robots that can interact more naturally with humans, which is crucial for sectors like healthcare and customer service. Looking ahead, industry watchers will be keen to see how Aishida's investments will impact its financial recovery and market position. The company's ability to navigate its substantial losses while developing humanoid robots will be critical in determining its future success. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
Japan's Nursing Homes Pilot Humanoid Robots for Caregiving and Companionship
Japan's nursing homes are testing humanoid robots designed to serve as caregivers, focusing on tasks like patrolling and providing companionship. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for elder care solutions in the country, where an aging population is creating a significant need for innovative support systems. The introduction of humanoid robots in caregiving roles is crucial as it represents a step towards integrating advanced technology into daily life for the elderly. These robots are expected to enhance the quality of care by offering companionship and monitoring, which can alleviate some of the burdens on human caregivers. Future developments to watch include the ongoing work on call response capabilities for these robots, which is still in progress. As the trial continues, the effectiveness and acceptance of humanoid robots in caregiving will be closely monitored, potentially influencing broader adoption in the healthcare sector.
Robotics Automation AI
BoRuiKang Reports Sales of 13 Brain-Computer Interfaces at 475,000 Yuan Each in Six Months
BoRuiKang has sold only 13 units of its brain-computer interface, priced at 475,000 yuan each, over the past six months. This disappointing sales figure highlights the challenges the company faces in the market for advanced neurotechnology products. The company's financial situation is concerning, as it has incurred losses nearing 400 million yuan over the past three and a half years. This significant financial strain raises questions about the sustainability of BoRuiKang's business model and its ability to compete in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Looking ahead, it will be crucial to monitor BoRuiKang's strategies for improving sales and addressing its financial losses. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
NVIDIA Pledges $1 Billion to Enhance U.S. Scientific Research Over Five Years
NVIDIA has announced a commitment of $1 billion aimed at enhancing the United States' capabilities in super intelligence research and development. This investment will focus on critical areas such as quantum computing, healthcare, and energy security, as revealed during the Science: A New Golden Age event in Washington, D.C. The significance of this initiative lies in its potential to bolster U.S. leadership in scientific exploration and innovation. Jensen Huang, NVIDIA's CEO, emphasized that this funding will empower American scientists to achieve breakthroughs that can transform industries and create job opportunities for future generations. Looking ahead, NVIDIA's investment will support higher education research institutions and cloud service providers, while also contributing to the Genesis Mission's expansion. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Minerva Humanoids Secures $10 Million to Create Robots for Hazardous Industrial Tasks
Minerva Humanoids has announced its emergence from stealth mode, securing approximately $10 million in pre-seed funding aimed at developing semi-autonomous humanoid robots for hazardous work in the energy and public safety sectors. This funding round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from several other investors, and marks a significant step for the San Francisco-based company as it prepares to launch its first paid industry pilot this month. The development of the humanoid robot, named Roger, is designed to allow trained specialists to remotely perform dangerous tasks while remaining physically outside hazardous environments. Minerva is targeting applications in onshore and offshore oil and gas operations, explosive ordnance disposal, hazardous material response, and public safety work. The robot operates through a VR headset and haptic gloves, enabling operators to see through its cameras and manipulate objects with tactile feedback. Looking ahead, Minerva aims to address the alarming statistic that approximately 7,000 energy workers die on the job each year, which equates to one death every 75 minutes. The company emphasizes that its goal is not to replace human workers but to enhance their ability to perform dangerous tasks safely. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
IMTS 2026 Preview: Record Orders and the Automation Story
IMTS 2026 opens in Chicago with 1,788 exhibitors and record H1 machine tool orders. What the USMTO data says about automation, and the booths to see.
WRC 2026 Robot Systems: 149 Companies That Build Robots
149 of the 248 classified WRC 2026 exhibitors build finished robots. 93 build humanoid or legged machines. The audited humanoid sales number is one unit.
WRC 2026 Exhibitor Map: 248 Robotics Companies Mapped
We classified 248 WRC 2026 exhibitors with the RobotToday taxonomy. Motion & Actuation leads at 75 companies, Humanoid at 72, and compute stays thin at 12. (Modified 2026-08-27)
Tornyol Develops Autonomous Drone to Combat Mosquitoes as Alternative to Insecticides
Tornyol, a startup based in Paris and backed by Y Combinator, has developed a miniature drone designed to hunt and eliminate mosquitoes. This 40-gram autonomous quadcopter patrols the skies and uses its propellers to shred mosquitoes upon detection, offering a safer alternative to traditional chemical insecticides. The significance of this innovation lies in its potential to address the global health crisis posed by mosquitoes, which are responsible for over 700,000 deaths annually due to diseases like malaria and dengue. Traditional pest control methods often carry environmental risks and health hazards, making Tornyol's drone a promising solution for both residential and malaria-affected areas. Looking ahead, the Tornyol mosquito-hunting drone, featuring advanced sonar technology and intelligent processing, is still in development. It is expected to retail for $1,100 or be available through a $50 monthly subscription, with early reservations starting at $100. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Innovation
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 13 – 17, 2026
This week in robotics: Hyundai takes full ownership of Boston Dynamics, Xpeng targets 1,000 Iron humanoids a month, LimX Dynamics raises $200M pre-IPO, and Agility opens a Silicon Valley physical-AI hub. July 13–17, 2026.
Physical AI Landscape: From Digital Intelligence to the Embodied Physical World
A comprehensive industry analysis of Physical AI — covering Embodied AI, Field AI, Factory AI, VLM, World Model, VLA, and the VLA vs WAM architecture debate. Includes 20+ companies, 28 references, and the RobotToday Physical AI Landscape diagram. July 2026.
Automate 2026 | Amprius SiCore SA88 Competes for Innovation Award in Robotics Battery Category
At Automate 2026 in Chicago, Amprius Technologies exhibited its SiCore SA88 silicon-anode pouch cell — 358 Wh/kg, 750 Wh/L — as a finalist in the Components, Hardware & Enabling Technologies category. Analysis of implications for AMR, UAV, and aerial mobility platforms.
Vietnam Robotics Industry Report 2026
Comprehensive analysis of Vietnam's robotics industry: market size, industrial policy, key companies (Vingroup, Apicoo, Phenikaa-X), geopolitical dynamics, and 2030 growth opportunities.
FUTURE WARFARE | Cross-Domain Integration - Integration How Land, Sea, Air and Software Are Converging Into a Single Kill Chain
Cross-domain robotics is reshaping modern warfare as drones, UGVs, AI targeting systems, and autonomous logistics converge into a single networked kill chain across land, sea, air, and software.
RobotToday Weekly Industry Briefing: Feb 2 – 6, 2026
Robotics shifted from demos to deployment post-CES 2026, led by China’s humanoid scale, AI robot brains, and accelerating industrial adoption.
Sunny t2000 china s first 2 ton turboprop cargo uav signals a new era for heavy unmanned logistics
The SUNNY-T2000 signals a shift in heavy cargo UAVs, showing how two-ton unmanned aircraft are reshaping regional and industrial air logistics.
