Locust Prism XT-9

Summary
The Locust Prism XT-9 is an entomology-based device invented by Penlink Sinowdyne (previously known as Penlink Spirocrank). It's a dense brick of silvery-bronze metal. On command, up to 100 robotic locusts fold out of the brick and hover in swarm formation to receive further instruction. The number of locusts can be defined when initiated. Typically, the robots are controlled by a remote equipped with a high-definition screen and speaker system. The screen and speaker are used for delivering visual and audio feedback when used for scouting purposes. It also has a means of browsing feedback from multiple units with surprising ease. The furthest distance a unit can scout depends on whether it can pick up its auditory signal, which is typically about 90dB at the source.

The tiny robots receive/relay commands using auditory locust calls of varying pitches, which the remote is capable of emitting with an intuitive pitch knob. Every pitch has a specifically programmed subroutine for the Locust Prism XT-9 Units to execute. While this technology comes with default settings, they can be customized by an experienced software engineer, so long as they're familiar enough with how the robots function. (In an emergency, there is a setting that allows silent commands. However, the signal of every Locust Prism XT-9 Unit becomes more restricted using silent mode. Subroutines can be selected on the screen display rather than using the pitch knob, but if you've become accustomed to the pitch knob, using the display may take longer.)

It is possible to install the locust call functionality surgically in the owner's larynx to negate full reliance on the remote, should it be lost or inaccessible. Though this is obviously an invasive medical procedure that carries some risk. (Only the inventor of the device has been known to do this, and her larynx was no longer organic by that time.)

The segments of any locust's backside can fold up to reveal a tiny black screen with green text capable of delivering messages and video footage. A miniature speaker is located on the front side to deliver audio files. Other than relaying messages of multiple mediums, Locust Prism XT-9 Units can also detect spacial anomalies, and each unit has enough data storage to hold up to 30 seconds of full visual-and-audio video footage. That's approximately 50 minutes with all 100 units combined. Future models are expected to have far more. In combat, they can be used to swarm, obscure vision, and even cause some decent damage with biting subroutines. The 100 units can be also instructed to collaboratively lift up to 65 pounds. (As a bonus, the prism has a program that can style hair, and there are some games available.)

Sleek and elegant, an entomologist will note that each and every locust is as close to anatomically correct as an engineer could reasonably craft, save internal structures designed to allow each insect to fold as compactly as possible.