Osaka University and Diponegoro University researchers believe that autonomous cyber cockroaches could one day be used for disaster response, similar to Toyota’s insect robot. Put simply, the cockroaches were equipped with sensors to detect movement and obstacles using an electronics package designed to work alongside their innate abilities, a bio-hybrid approach if you will.
The electronics transmitted navigation commands when necessary to keep the cockroaches on-track, but otherwise they were left to decide how to best handle the environment themselves. This makes them perfect for search-and-rescue missions, on-site inspection following disasters, and possibly even archaeology sites.
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I believe our cyborg insects can achieve objectives with less effort and power than purely mechanical robots. Our autonomous biohybrid navigation system overcomes problems that have traditionally challenged robots, such as recovering from falling. This is what is needed for stepping outside the laboratory and into real-life scenarios like wilderness,” said Keisuke Morishima, senior author.
[Source]
