Small robots and drones have increasingly been used to assist in disaster response, particularly in areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to access, such as collapsed buildings. Recent research indicates that cockroaches, due to their ability to navigate through narrow gaps, could serve as the next generation of first responders when outfitted with electrodes.
A research team from the University of Queensland (UQ) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has created the "Paraborg" to aid in searching for victims and administering first aid. Tan Vo Doan, a bio-robotics researcher at UQ, stated, "Cyborg insects have been designed for ‘search and explore’ missions for the past couple of decades. We wanted to take the next step."
The team utilized a giant burrowing cockroach from northern Queensland to develop the Paraborg, as documented in a recent paper published in the journal Advanced Science. This species can reach lengths of up to 87 millimeters (3.5 inches) and weigh as much as 40 grams (1.4 ounces).
The research team developed two types of Paraborgs: one equipped with a camera to assess the condition of disaster victims, and another with an automatic injection mechanism to deliver medication. Cockroaches can carry up to 1.5 times their body weight. A cockroach fitted with the injection mechanism increased in height by approximately 15 millimeters and weight by about 17 grams, which did not significantly affect its movement. The team anesthetized the cockroaches to attach the electrodes and microchips, allowing them to return to normal behavior once the equipment was removed.
By applying electrical stimuli to electrodes embedded in the cockroach’s antennae and cerci, researchers could control the bug’s direction and speed. They found that stimulating each antenna independently allowed for directional control, while stimulating both cerci regulated pace. The team discovered that frequencies between 10 and 40 hertz were effective, with frequencies above 50 hertz becoming less effective over time.
The injection mechanism operates by deploying a syringe through a spring system, which triggers a chemical reaction between citric acid and baking soda, generating carbon dioxide to push the syringe plunger and administer medication. In their experiments, the team controlled a cockroach to navigate through three checkpoints and successfully administer an injection to a simulated target. The success rate for close-range injections (within 150 millimeters) was approximately 95 percent, while the overall task completion success rate was 72 percent.
The researchers also demonstrated a cooperative effort, where one cockroach located a simulated target with a camera while another administered the injection. Although previous research has produced cyborg beetles that can climb vertical walls, the team noted that larger cockroaches are better suited for carrying specialized rescue and medical equipment.
Despite promising results, the study did not replicate the complex conditions found at actual disaster sites, such as debris and uneven terrain. Vo Doan expressed hope that with adequate resources for research and field testing, a team of cyborg insects could be deployed in real disaster scenarios within five to ten years. Vo Doan stated, "Rather than building one robot to do everything, we can harness the natural strengths of different insects and equip them for different missions."
This story was originally published in WIRED Japan and has been translated from Japanese.