The Japanese have created cyborg cockroaches to search for people under rubble after earthquakes
Scientists from the Laboratory of Thin Film Devices of the Riken Research Institute of Japan, under the leadership of Kenjiro Fukada, have developed a film for solar cells with a thickness of 4 microns. It can become the basis of a device that is placed on the abdomen of insects and allows remote control of movements. Researchers believe that such cyborgs will be suitable for searching for people under rubble after earthquakes.
It is assumed that small ‘backpacks’ with a solar battery and electronics will be placed on the backs of insects in such a way that they are able to move freely. The energy produced will be sufficient for remote reception and transmission of directional signals to the insect’s sense organs. It is assumed that this work could become the basis for the creation of a device that will allow controlling insects that can penetrate hard-to-reach areas much more efficiently than robots.
‘Batteries inside small robots quickly discharge, so there is little time left for research. The key advantage [of the cyborg insect] is that when it comes to the insect’s movements, it makes itself move, so less electricity is needed,” Kenjiro Fukada noted.
In their work, the researchers used Madagascar hissing cockroaches because they are large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment and do not have wings that could become an obstacle. Even with a ‘backpack’ and a solar panel on their back, cockroaches are able to overcome small obstacles and stand on their paws in the event of a rollover on their back.
Scientists have a lot of work to do, including efforts to make the insect control device as miniaturized as possible. It is expected that due to this, it will be possible to place additional sensors and even a camera on insect backs. A recent demonstration of the technology used a prototype backpack whose components cost only $35.
