A video of a flying spherical reconnaissance drone developed by Japan’s military has lately been causing a stir online – the device makes for quite a spectacle.
The video:

JUST WATCH IT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h7dPgzMgf0&feature=player_embedded

The unit officially goes under the prosaic name of “spherical flight vehicle,” having been developed as a prototype miniature drone.
It is 42cm in diameter, 350g in weight and can fly for some 8 minutes, being capable of reaching speeds of 60km/h. Autopilot systems are said to be under development.

Interestingly, the developers report “buying most of the parts in Akihabara.”

Bought most of the parts in Akiba? Obviously the military only designed this after seeing a few anime enthusiasts getting their shopping done for them by flying drones.