Researchers at the University of Queensland and the University of New South Wales have developed unusual helpers for rescuers — cyborg cockroaches. They can move through rubble and other dangerous places, relay information to rescuers and deliver medicine to injured people in places humans cannot yet reach.
How does the system work?
A lightweight harness with a camera or an injector is attached to the back of a large burrowing cockroach. The insect moves through cracks and rubble on its own, while a human watches what is happening and controls its actions. When navigation and drug delivery were performed at the same time, the system succeeded in 72% of trials.
The researchers suggest sending in an entire swarm: some would look for survivors, while others would carry medicine. They say that in 5 to 10 years, such biorobots could help where it is too dangerous for humans to be.
