Cyborg cockroaches developed by researchers could be used to help locate survivors trapped within collapsed buildings, caves and other locations.
Texas A&M researchers attached electronic devices to live cockroaches which simulate nerve signals normally sent by antennae. This is accomplished by delivering small shocks, which are picked up by the insects in the same manner as they would if they sensed a predator approaching. By altering the weak electrical signals, it is possible to direct the travel of the insects.
These cyborg robots may be even better than fully-mechanical devices at finding people trapped during disasters, investigators believe.
A small packet of electronics, including a battery, microcontroller, and wireless transceiver, were fitted to the backs of American (Periplaneta Americana) and discoid (Blaberus discoidalis) cockroaches. Each of those species are large enough to carry the device and still remain mobile.
Researchers attached leashes to the cockroaches before placing them in a trackball. Small electrical signals were delivered by the device to the thorax of the creatures, as they traveled along their route. Investigators found they were able to control the direction of these cyborg cockroaches 60 percent of the time.
In 2010, an experiment was conducted on cockroaches, which were controlled by an implanted device.
Future development of cyborg cockroaches could involve development of even less-invasive devices, controlling travel through vibrations delivered near antennae, rather than shocks. Unlike the last two versions of the device, this new development would not require surgery on the insects, and would carry little risk for the creatures.
Cockroaches are able to detect vibrations caused by predators as they approach the insect. This future controller could take advantage of that ability, in order to direct the insect.
"Some species invade human dwellings and are considered pests. Others are beneficial to the environment as important recyclers of decaying organic material. The pest cockroaches can be carriers of various diseases because they are commonly found near waste deposits or in the kitchen, where food is present," managers at Orkin, a pest control company, wrote on their Web site.
Cockroaches are often thought of as being dirty creatures, but the insects are quite clean, washing themselves regularly. Well-known for being able to survive large doses of radiation, they are also capable of regrowing lost legs. Of the 4,600 species of cockroach currently known to biologists, around 30 are commonly found in human environments.
Future development of cyborg cockroaches could fit the tiny creatures with GPS devices, compasses and accelerometers to track where disaster victims may be trapped.
Development of the newest cyborg cockroaches was detailed in the journal Interface, published by The Royal Society.
