Will insects be joining forces with humans and robots in navigating disaster zones and monitoring hazardous environments?<\/p>\n
Cockroaches survived the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs. In fact, they have survived multiple extinctions. Millions of years of evolution has made this creepy crawler the ultimate survivor.<\/p>\n
But the mere mention of these incredibly durable and virtually indestructible insects generates disgust and fright. They get no love whatsoever, even though they may be the closest nature has come to perfection.<\/p>\n
Japanese researchers have found an important use for the much-maligned bug by exploiting its superpowers. Cockroaches can squeeze through any tight space. Their mobility is off the charts, with reaction time and speed that are lightning quick. They can withstand forces about 1 000 times their own body weight without injury. Lose a limb or two? No worries, they\u2019ll grow back. They can even live without their head for about a week!<\/p>\n
All enviable features to have when dealing with life and death situations, wouldn\u2019t you say? Humans and robots now have a new ally in disaster management.<\/p>\n
A team of researchers led by Osaka University is turning ordinary cockroaches into cyborgs to navigate environments and terrain during search and rescue operations. They envisage these so-called cyborg cockroaches inspecting dangerous rubble after a disaster and finding survivors in difficult-to-access areas. The study in the journal \u2018Soft Robotics\u2019 presents a system comprised of electronic devices enabling cockroaches to overcome obstacles autonomously.<\/p>\n
How outrageous is the idea? Not so ridiculous, if you consider that cyborg insects have several major advantages over the best and smallest robots in the field. They\u2019re a low-cost alternative that requires minimal power supply and batteries. They can overcome almost any obstacle, and move around in ways that a robot simply cannot.<\/p>\n
The cyborg cockroach is equipped with an electronic backpack that\u2019s connected to its antennae. An operator guides movement with electrical pulses. The components include sensors that detect data like obstacles, temperature, air quality and structural stability. The cockroach relies on its natural instincts, too. The tech is used only if required, and removed when a mission is complete.<\/p>\n
The researchers tested the cyborg cockroach in simulated environments modelled after both simple and complex sandy terrain scattered with stones and wood. The cockroach\u2019s overall performance was promising. It effortlessly arrived at its destination in the first scenario, but took a little more time avoiding and overcoming the obstacles in the more challenging one.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe creation of a functioning robot on a small scale is challenging; we wanted to sidestep this obstacle by keeping things simple,\u201d explained lead author Mochammad Ariyanto in a news release. \u201cBy simply attaching electronic devices to insects, we can avoid the finer details of robotics engineering and focus on achieving our goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe our cyborg insects can achieve objectives with less effort and power than purely mechanical robots,\u201d stated senior author Keisuke Morishima. \u201cOur autonomous biohybrid navigation system overcomes problems that have traditionally challenged robots, such as recovering from falling. This is what is needed for stepping outside the laboratory and into real-life scenarios like wilderness.\u201d<\/p>\n
So next time you shriek when you see a cockroach, or scramble to crush it, remember what an important role its species might play in helping people in distress or imminent danger!<\/p>\n