Coming: cyborg cockroaches to help in urban search-rescue missions

Source: The post is based on the article “Coming: cyborg cockroaches to help in urban search-rescue missions” published in Indian Express on 9th September 2022.

What is the News?

An international team of researchers has devised a system that can create cyborg cockroaches.

What are Cyborg Cockroaches?

Cyborg Cockroaches are part insect and part machine. These insect movements are controlled by tiny integrated circuits.

Purpose: These cockroaches can be used to conduct surveillance in procedures like urban search and rescue, environmental monitoring and inspection of areas dangerous to humans.

How did scientists make Cyborg Cockroaches?

Scientists used the Madagascar hissing cockroach. This cockroach is not only the largest species of cockroach but is also known for making hissing sounds when disturbed, which they make by expelling air from the openings on their back.

The scientists fitted this cockroach with a thin electronic backpack which they had created on the upper section of its body. As this was so lightweight, it had very little impact on the insect’s ability to move around with ease.

The backpack contained a rechargeable battery and what’s known as a wireless control module which enabled the researchers to control the cockroach’s movements remotely.

A solar cell module was attached to the lower section of the cockroach. This meant the backpack could be recharged using artificial sunlight which would come in handy if the cockroach is out on missions.