When an earthquake strikes in the nottoodistant future and survivors are trapped under tons of rubble, the first responders to locate them may be cyborg roaches.
This is a potential application of recent research by Japanese scientists, who have demonstrated the ability to don insect ‘backpacks’ of photovoltaic cells and electronics and remotely control their movements.
Kenjiro Fukuda and his team at Japanese research giant Riken’s ThinFilm Device Laboratory have developed a flexible film of solar cells 4 microns thick, about 1/25th of a hair, that can be attached to the insect’s abdomen.
This film allows the cockroach to move freely while the photovoltaic cell generates enough energy to process the directional signals and send them to the sensory organs on the insect’s back.
The work builds on previous insect control experiments at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and could one day lead to cyborg insects that would invade dangerous areas much more efficiently than robots.
“Batteries in small robots run out quickly, so exploration time becomes shorter,” said Fukuda. “One of the main advantages (of a cyborg insect) is that an insect moves on its own, so it uses a lot less electricity.”
Fukuda and his team chose Madagascar hissing cockroaches for the experiments because they are big enough to carry the equipment and don’t have wings to get in their way. Even if the backpack and foil are glued on the back, insects can run through small obstacles or stand up when turning over.
Research still has a long way to go. In a recent demonstration, Riken researcher Yujiro Kakei used a specialized computer and a Bluetooth wireless signal to tell the cyborg cockroach to turn left, causing it to move in that direction. But when it received the “right” signal, the insect turned in a circle.
The next challenge is to miniaturize the components to make it easier for the insects to move, and to allow the mounting of sensors and even cameras. Kakei said he spent about $35 to assemble the cyborg backpack, which uses parts purchased in Tokyo’s famed electronics district, Akihabara.
Backpack and foil can be removed and the cockroaches come to life in the laboratory terrarium. Insects live up to five years in captivity.
In addition to insect rescue, Fukuda sees wide applications for solar cell film, which is made up of microscopic layers of plastic, silver and gold. For example, the material can be embedded in clothing or skin patches to monitor vital signs.
On a sunny day, an umbrella covered with the material can generate enough electricity to charge a cellphone, he said.