Researchers have engineered a system for creating remote-controlled cyborg cockroaches, equipped with a tiny wireless control module that is powered by a rechargeable battery attached to a solar cell. Despite the mechanical devices, ultrathin electronics and flexible materials allow the insects to move freely. These achievements will help make the use of cyborg insects a practical reality. An international team led by researchers at the RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research (CPR) reported the results today (September 5, 2022) in the scientific journal npj Flexible Electronics.[1]

Figure 1. Robo-bug: A rechargeable, remote-control cyborg cockroach

Figure 1 shows According to the study published in the journal npj Flexible Electronics,the power output of the cyborg is 50 times more than any previous device. Scientists can remotely control the legs of the cyborg. The study pointed out that the ultrathin solar “panels” on the cockroach’s back do not come in its way. When a button is pressed, the sensory organs of the roach receive electrical impulses. The shock makes it possible for the cyborg to move. [2]

The ultrathin and flexible organic solar cell, and how it was attached to the insect, proved necessary to ensure freedom of movement. After carefully examining natural cockroach movements, the researchers realized that the abdomen changes shape and portions of the exoskeleton overlap. To accommodate this, they interleaved adhesive and non-adhesive sections onto the films, which allowed them to bend but also stay attached. When thicker solar cell films were tested, or when the films were uniformly attached, the cockroaches took twice as long to run the same distance, and had difficulty righting themselves when on their backs. [3]

Although the idea of a walking cyborg cockroach sounds like something out of a B-movie horror flick, the reality is actually quite stunning and wondrous. The possibilities of environmental research that can come out of this are astounding when thought about. We just may have to be extra careful where we step in the meantime! [4]

References:

1. https://www.newswise.com/articles/new-mechanism-protects-privacy-safety-in-encrypted-messaging?ta=home
2. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/09/protecting-privacy-and-safety-encrypted-messaging
3. https://techxplore.com/news/2022-09-method-privacy-safety-encrypted-messaging.html

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Robo-bug: A rechargeable, remote-control cyborg cockroach, Anatechmaz, pp.176