NTU: Robot cockroaches

History

2024: Production start-up

In mid-December 2024, it became known that researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore took the concept of cyborg insects to a new level. Scientists have rolled out automated mass production that allows for one controlled cockroach every 68 seconds.

It is noted that cockroaches are one of the most hardy creatures on the planet, which makes them an excellent "tool" for performing certain tasks. Previous experiments have shown that miniature electronics can be combined with live insects to remotely monitor their behavior without harming them. However, manual implantation of the necessary components is a very slow and time-consuming process that is further complicated by delicate insect anatomy.

𝓲

scmp.com

Experts from Singapore have proposed a way to solve the problem. They have developed a robotic system with computer vision that allows electronic elements to be implanted into cockroaches with high accuracy. The procedure begins with anesthesia of the insect with carbon dioxide. Then the cockroach is fixed on a special platform, after which the computer vision system analyzes the structure of a particular insect. The optimal implantation site is then calculated, taking into account the size and other anatomical features. At the final stage, the robotic manipulator installs an electronic unit.

𝓲

scmp.com

Once implanted through small electrodes, the insect's neurons can be stimulated to control its movements. The test results showed that such cyborgs handle command execution as well as hand-modified cockroaches. They can be used, for example, to survey the territory.^[1]

Notes