New Technology Creates “Cyborg Insects”

Scientists at the University of California demonstrated a new technology for creating “cyborg insects.” That is, beetles implanted with miniaturized electronics that allows the insects to be controlled.

The flying beetle is powered by a wireless signal from a mobile transmitter that controls the insect. Varying impulses trigger an appropriate response from the beetle so that it flies according to its handler.

The movements of flying insects is controlled using a radio transmitter and a miniature backpack of electronics worn by cyborg beetles.

The beetles can take off and land, fly to the right or left, and even to hover in mid-flight depending on the radio commands.

Although electronics have been used before to control the movements of insects, this is believed to be the first scientific invention using radio commands to control the fine aerial movements of free-flying beetles.

By attaching a tiny backpack onto a beetle, researchers can electrically stimulate tiny muscles below its wings, creating a living mini-copter that they can steer with amazing precision.

If a small microphone and thermal sensors could be added to this device, it could be used for applications in search-and-rescue missions.

In the future, it would be possible to use flying insects as miniature drones loaded with tiny electronic sensors for flying over and searching difficult terrain.

 

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