Remote control for robo-cockroaches
Cyborg cockroaches have learned to control remotely
Engineers from Texas A&M University connected a miniature computer to the nervous system of a live cockroach. This made it possible to remotely control the animal and take a video in a non-working sewer. The authors published the results of their research in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface (Sanchez et al., Locomotion control of hybrid cockroach robots), and briefly reported about them by The Guardian (Cockroach robots? Not nightmare fantasy but science lab reality).
Figure from the article in JRSI – VM
Scientists placed a computer chip on the backs of cockroaches, two electrodes from which were directed to the nerves controlling the legs of insects. This made it possible, in particular, with the help of electrical impulses, commands to which were directed by a remote control, to control the direction of movement of the animal.
The researchers note that during laboratory tests they managed to control about 70 percent of the time during which the insects moved. In the field experiment, this indicator decreased to 60 percent.
The chip was powered by a miniature lithium battery, so that the total weight of the load on the cockroach did not exceed three grams. Engineers note that although some species of cockroaches are able to carry loads five times their own weight, this leads to a decrease in their endurance.
Scientists suggest using cyborg cockroaches as a replacement for robots. According to scientists, insects cope better with moving in hard-to-reach places, and cameras and various sensors that can be placed on their body will allow them to collect all the necessary information.
Separately, experts are concerned about the possible habituation of insects to irritation by electrical impulses and their subsequent uncontrollability. In particular, experiments conducted in 1997 at the University of Tokyo showed that cockroaches over time begin to ignore electrical stimuli.
Engineers are also interested in the possibility of coordinated behavior of these insects and control of their movement over long periods of time. At the same time, scientists are concerned about ethical issues that arise when electronics interfere with a living organism.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru06.03.2015