Cyborg Cockroach: Inventor Promises To Use New Technology in Search Operation During Natural Disasters

The cyborg cockroach inventor, Kenjiro Fukuda, promised to put the enhanced insect to good use. He said that these insects can specifically work during natural disasters.

Cyborg Cockroach During the Aftermath of Natural Disasters

In an interview with Reuters, Fukuda stated that he and his colleagues foresee the robotic Madagascar roaches assisting in search and rescue operations in the aftermath of natural disasters. The tiny insects, according to him, can fit into spaces that are far too big for people. Cyborg cockroaches are also built to withstand severe disasters.

Because they are large enough to carry the equipment and lack wings that would get in the way, the team decided to conduct the research with Madagascar hissing cockroaches. According to the researchers, the bugs can maneuver around minor barriers or right themselves when they are turned over, even with the backpack and film affixed to their backs.

Cyborg Cockroach Is Powered by Solar Energy

Small robots' batteries, according to the inventor, run out quite rapidly. This reduces the amount of time available for exploring. However, the solar cell backpacks on the cyborg cockroach provide its electricity.

A flexible solar cell sheet with a thickness of 4 microns, which is roughly 1/25 the breadth of a human hair, was created by Fukuda and his team. The insect's abdomen can accommodate the solar cell.

The Madagascar hissing cockroaches get their nerve-like appendages known as cerci because of their size and lack of wings. It is stimulated by the packs, which then tells them which direction to move in accordance with the instructions of the operators.

Problems Encountered During the Experiment

In a demonstration, Riken researcher Yujiro Kakei told a cyborg roach to turn left, forcing it to run in that general direction using a specialized computer and wireless Bluetooth signal; but the bug circled when it received the correct signal.

The next challenge is to miniaturize the parts so that the insects can move more freely and so that sensors and even cameras may be mounted.

Future Applications

Fukuda envisions a wide range of uses for the solar cell film, which is made up of small layers of plastic, silver, and gold, beyond just catastrophe rescue bugs. The film might be embedded into clothing or skin patches to track vital indicators.

He claimed that a parasol wrapped with the material might produce enough electricity to recharge a phone on hot days.

Despite being designed exclusively for cockroaches, the research team's leader believes their approach can be applied to other insects as well.

ALSO READ: Cyborg Insect Handled Through Remote Control Developed; Researchers Claim This New 'Robo-Bug' May Help Inspect, Monitor Hazardous Places

Tiny Robotic Bugs

Results from preliminary testing of a team's prototype robotic bugs were reported in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies in March 2022. At this point, their biggest achievement is figuring out how to use artificial muscle to enable the cricket-sized robots to move quickly and precisely. It is a form of technology that often proceeds more slowly than quickly.

According to the researcher, these robots may be used in a disaster assistance scenario to locate injured people in difficult-to-reach areas, draw blood, measure temperatures, or perform other fundamental assessments. Additionally, they might be able to transport small-scale medical supplies for on-site emergency first aid.