For many years, scientists have been striving to develop small devices that would allow the infiltration of hard-to-reach areas. They have come very close to this goal with bio-robotic cockroaches.
The insects have been implanted with miniature microcircuits of neural controllers. For this purpose, the researchers used a species of Madagascar cockroach with electrodes placed on its back. They send out gentle electrical impulses that stimulate the cockroach’s nervous system. Thus, the authors of the project were able to deceive the animal. When the discharge reached its antennas, the cockroach perceived it as an obstacle and turned in the direction determined by scientists.
This kind of system is much more advanced than the previous ones. It allows a wide range of control over the insect thanks to the implementation of a four-channel system. Additionally, it provides up-to-date information on the insect’s neuromuscular activity. The measuring unit placed in the device allows you to track the rotational and linear acceleration of the cockroach. All this data can be collected using a Bluetooth phone.
The resulting cybernetic cockroaches have many potential uses. Speech incl. on saving lives during search and rescue operations. Insects can reach collapsed areas or other places that cannot be accessed by people and large-size machines.
[Źródło: engineering.com; grafika: University of Connecticut]
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