With the development of technology, many realizations and realizations that we say ‘can’t’ continue to be realized. According to the latest developments, ‘cyborg’ cockroach swarms will soon be in use for earthquake victims. Thus, insects have the possibility to be the first responders of earthquake victims who are buried under tons of rubble. Here are the details!
Insects have a 4 micron-thick solar cell film on their abdomen.
A step taken in Japan takes the search and rescue mission in the future as a result of natural disasters to a different dimension. According to the development, ‘cyborg’ cockroach swarms will take place for this mission. The development encountered by Kenjiro Fukuda and his team at the Thin Film Device Laboratory at Japanese research giant Riken is quite remarkable.
The team developed a flexible solar cell film 4 microns thick (about one 25th the width of a human hair) that can fit inside the insect’s abdomen. The film allows the cockroach to move freely. Also, the battery generates enough power to process and send directional signals to the sensory organs in the insect’s hindquarters. So insects will carry solar cells and electronics like a ‘backpack’.
This work builds on previous insect control experiments from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. As a result, it is possible to use cybernetic insects instead of robots in dangerous situations in the near future. The reason for this is that insects have the opportunity to enter everywhere more efficiently than robots.
Kenjiro Fukuda made a statement on the subject. “The batteries inside the tiny robots are draining quickly, so the exploration time is shortened.” He also stated in his statement that these insects do not need electricity because they move on their own. The team selects Madagascar hissing cockroaches for these experiments. The reason for this is that it is large enough to carry equipment and does not have wings to prevent this situation.
To manipulate the cyborg cockroach, the researchers use a special computer and a Bluetooth signal. Insects are also likely to confuse directions, given their own walking abilities. The next difficult step is for the bugs to move more easily and the sensors to be as small as possible.
Thanks to the removable backpack and film, the insects survive inside the laboratory. Thus, insects mature in four months and live up to five years. Researcher Yujiro Kakei stated that the robotic insect made the backpack with parts worth 5,000 yen ($35).
So, what do you think of these cockroaches? Do not forget to share your views with us in the comments section!