NEW YORK: The researchers of US are trying to use remote controlled cockroaches in order to explore dangerous disaster regions. The researchers have taken this step to search for survivors in the regions such as damaged nuclear power plants or mine shafts.
A team from Texas A&M University has discovered a way to control the much-hated insects remotely by implanting electrodes into them that deliver a small electrical charge to stimulate nerves around their antennae.
Each electrode is part of a very small ‘backpack’ that consists of a micro controller, a wireless transceiver, and a battery, all of which is glued to the insect’s back.
The cockroaches “can go anywhere you guide them to”, lead researcher Hong Liang told
Ms Liang claims that the cockroaches will currently respond to direction 60 percent of the time, but stressed that they didn’t work them too hard.
The researchers believe that cockroaches may be far more successful than current robotics systems in exploring disaster sites, in part because of their ability to survive dangerous levels of radiation, and even re-grow missing limbs.
Ms Liang said cockroaches are very interesting creatures and despite the largely held perception that they are filthy, the insects clean themselves constantly.
“After having them for a while, I keep some in my office as a pet,” Ms Liang said.
The researches at Texas A&M are currently working on a non-invasive version of the system, which will use a small, vibrating motor near the roaches’ antennae to make them move.
Cockroach antennae are capable of detecting sounds or vibrations that help them avoid predators.
The vibrating motor would not involve surgery, and would therefore not risk damaging the insects.
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