Hirotaka Sato, a Japanese scientist from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, has developed cyborg cockroaches that can be remotely controlled via electrical impulses. claim:1
The setup consists of a waterproof shell, a diving 'bottle' capable of generating oxygen, and a 'backpack' equipped with a battery and a wireless communication method. The total weight of the three components is 6 grams. claim:2
To create the equipment, scientists used a 3D printer to produce a flexible diving suit that the cockroaches can wear like a backpack. claim:10
During experiments, the cyborg cockroach performed movements including forward walking and right and left turns while remaining underwater for a maximum of three hours. claim:4
Maximum duration the cyborg cockroaches remained underwater during experiments.
Development and potential applications
Operators can remotely guide the insects through electrostimulation. claim:3
Compared to robots, the cyborg insect is less energy-consuming. The same goes for development costs.
Professor Sato stated that the idea allows for the use of the insect's muscles and nervous system. claim:5
Sato aims to integrate a camera into the combination to enable missions such as inspecting submerged structures or conducting rescue searches during natural disasters. claim:6
According to Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Sato stated he could commercialize these devices in two or three years. claim:7
Other research in bio-hybrid technology includes a team led by Zhao Jieliang, a professor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, who developed a 74-milligram brain controller to remotely pilot live bees. claim:8
Regarding the use of cockroaches, Alper Bozkurt, a biorobotics specialist at the University of North Carolina, told Popular Mechanics that scientists have already found various chemicals to kill cockroaches. claim:9
