A 12-year-old from Chongqing has captured national attention after constructing a functional drone using chopsticks, salvaged circuit boards, and hot glue. The innovation came to light when his mother shared a video of the project on social media this week, which has since garnered over 2 million views.
Footage shows the boy meticulously assembling components at his kitchen table, repurposing everyday items into a quadcopter capable of sustained flight. While some online commentators dismissed the feat as “following YouTube instructions,” educators and tech professionals have praised the demonstration of practical engineering skills.
Dr. Li Wei, a robotics professor at Tsinghua University, told KhabarAsia: “What matters isn’t whether he invented new technology, but that he bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This is exactly the mindset we need in tomorrow’s innovators.”
The viral moment coincides with renewed discussions in China about hands-on STEM education and resourcefulness. With maker spaces proliferating across the Chinese mainland, this story highlights how accessible technology is empowering young minds to experiment beyond classroom walls.
