Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have successfully developed remote controlled cyborg cockroaches, an innovation poised to revolutionize search and rescue operations in disaster zones. These bio-hybrid insects are designed to navigate through debris and locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.
According to The Independent, Researchers in Singapore have successfully engineered the cyborg cockroaches, which is a live insects equipped with advanced technology that allows scientists to control their movements remotely.
Using miniature electronic backpacks attached to the cockroaches, researchers can relay directional commands to the insects. These instructions are transmitted through electrodes connected to the cockroaches’ sensory organs, enabling precise control over their navigation.
This breakthrough could pave the way for deploying swarms of cyborg cockroaches in disaster zones, where their agility and ability to maneuver through tight spaces could prove invaluable in search and rescue operations.
Efficient Mass Production for Disaster Relief
While cyborg cockroaches have been developed before, NTU’s latest project focuses on refining mass-production techniques to ensure large-scale deployment during emergency situations. Researchers have successfully automated the integration of the tiny electrode backpacks and microchips onto cockroaches, as reported by Kumparan.
The cyborg cockroaches are assembled using an automated method called the “Cyborg Insect Factory.” The process involves implanting a miniature electronic circuit system into live cockroaches.
According to the reseatchers, it takes just 68 seconds to transform a cockroach into a functioning cyborg—a remarkably quick and efficient process for such advanced technology.
These modified insects can be remotely controlled and are capable of performing precise tasks, including turning, climbing walls, slowing down, and navigating obstacles with remarkable agility during light environmental testing.
A Future of Bio-Hybrid Rescue Teams
The researchers envision a future where swarms of cyborg cockroaches are deployed to locate survivors in disaster zones caused by earthquakes, building collapses, or other catastrophic events. Beyond search and rescue, these bio-hybrid insects could also have potential military applications.
The Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) was chosen for its unique ability to produce loud hissing noises by forcing air through its breathing spiracles—an adaptation used to signal aggression or respond to threats. Additionally, these cockroaches are known for their longevity, with lifespans ranging from two to five years, making them durable candidates for prolonged operations.
Superior Navigation Compared to Traditional Robots
Compared to traditional biomimetic robots, cyborg cockroaches demonstrate superior mobility and adaptability in navigating complex terrains. Their natural design, combined with electronic enhancements, allows them to traverse environments that would challenge even the most advanced man-made robots.
“The advancement of insect-computer hybrid robotics holds significant potential for exploring complex environments and enhancing robotic applications,” the researchers wrote in their findings, as reported by IFL Science.
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They further highlighted that their proposed automated assembly strategy reduces preparation time while maintaining precise control over the insects, setting the stage for scalable production and real-world deployment.
This breakthrough could mark a significant step toward more efficient disaster response and further integration of bio-hybrid technology into critical global operations.
(Raidi/Agung)
