In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers led by Hirotaka Sato at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has unveiled a robotic arm capable of transforming cockroaches into controllable cyborgs. This innovative technology opens up the possibility of utilizing swarms of biological robots for search missions in challenging environments.
Steering Cyborg Cockroaches
Sato and his team have previously demonstrated that groups of up to 20 Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa) equipped with electronic backpacks can be guided across desert-like terrain. While this initial experiment showcased the potential of cyborg insects for navigation tasks, the researchers recognize that to deploy these creatures effectively in real-world search-and-rescue operations, hundreds or even thousands of cyborg cockroaches may be required.