# Microcontrolled Insects Remote Controlled Beatles Are Part Living, Part Robot. By Alex Covert | Published 2009-02-26 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biological-machines-part-living-part-robot References: [technologyreview](http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/22111/) Unbeknown to most of us is an emerging science that integrates living organisms and electronic equipment. Michel Maharbiz and his colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley have experimented by implanting receivers, microcontrollers, microbatteries, and carefully placed electrodes into the heads of beetles. Using a computer that controls electrical impulses, the scientists can remotely control the flying beetles. This kicks your traditional robot’s ass and is a scary step toward cyborgs. See an awesome[video demonstrating](http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1827871101/bctid10766149001)this technology, here. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Cyber-biological Systems:** The integration of living organisms and electronic equipment is leading to new Cyber-biological Systems. - **Remote-controlled Organisms:** Advancements in microcontrollers and microbatteries are allowing scientists to remotely control organisms. - **Bioelectronics:** Bioelectronics is the emerging science that integrates living organisms and electronic equipment. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Agriculture:** The use of microcontrolled insects could greatly benefit the agriculture industry by allowing for more precise pest control. - **Military:** The military industry could potentially utilize remote-controlled organisms for spying and information gathering purposes. - **Biomedical Engineering:** The field of Biomedical Engineering could benefit from the integration of living organisms and electronic equipment to create new medical technologies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [Fluttering Insect Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zing-go-go-bird-butterfly.md) - [Compact Mycelium Biohybrid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-robot.md) - [Microscale Swimming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-robots-1.md) - [Maneuverable Centipede Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centipede-robot.md) - [Pest-Slaying Agricultural Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pestslaying-agricultural-robot.md) - [Biomimicry Bird-Like Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bionic-bird-xfly.md) - [Bio-Inspired Transforming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioinspired-transforming-robot.md)