What is ‘bamboo-copter’, its links to China and Japan; how it inspired modern helicopters

The bamboo-copter is one of the most famous gadgets from the pocket of Doraemon, an iconic robot cat from a Japanese cartoon series who employs futuristic devices to assist a clumsy boy, notably enabling the protagonists to fly. In fact, this gadget is inspired by a Chinese invention that dates back over a thousand years. The bamboo-copter was one of the earliest gadgets presented to the boy Nobita Nobi by the robotic cat character from the 22nd century. It made its first appearance in the ma...

By Fran Lu