Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley and Singapore's Nanyang University have managed to create a cyborg beetle by strapping on a high-tech backpack to its body that allowed them to remotely control its flight. The backpack is equipped with six electrodes that are wired to the beetles optic lobes and flight muscles. Incredibly, the backpack consists of little more than a commercially available microcontroller, a wireless transmitter/receiver and a micro lithium battery.
Studying insects in flight is difficult, but this sci-fi-like technology makes it easier than ever. Additionally, the cyborg beetle project can do more than expand the field of entomology or insect study. It could eventually be used to create cyborg animals capable of accessing hard-to-reach areas and assisting in search-and-rescue missions for example.
Remote-Controlled Beetles
This Cyborg Beetle's Flight Was Controlled Via Its Electronic Backpack
Trend Themes
1. Remote-controlled Insects - Scientists have developed a technology that allows them to remotely control the flight of insects, opening up new possibilities in studying insect behavior and applications for search-and-rescue missions.
2. Cyborg Animals - The invention of cyborg beetles paves the way for creating animals with enhanced capabilities that can assist in various tasks, including accessing hard-to-reach areas.
3. Wearable Technology for Insects - The development of high-tech backpacks for insects demonstrates the potential for integrating wearable technology into the animal kingdom, revolutionizing research and applications.
Industry Implications
1. Entomology - The field of entomology can benefit from the use of remote-controlled insects to study their flight patterns and behavior in a controlled manner.
2. Search-and-rescue - The search-and-rescue industry can explore the use of cyborg animals, such as beetles, to assist in locating and rescuing individuals in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas.
3. Wearable Technology - The development of wearable technology for insects opens up opportunities in the technology industry to create specialized devices for animal research and applications.