For years, scientists and researchers have been attempting to arm insects with robot technology in order to control them and utilize them for warfare or various sorts of surveillance.
Sato Hirotaka, a researcher at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, has been investigating and experimenting with cyber-insects such as giant flower beetles for over 15 years.
However, he recently embraced a new strategy for combating “cyber-roaches.” Instead of directing their motions via remote control, he has transformed them into autonomous agents by managing them through algorithms that respond directly to the sensors onboard their backpacks.
Dr. Sato chose Madagascar hissing cockroaches, which are around 6 cm long, for testing. The backpacks are equipped with a communications chip, a carbon-dioxide sensor, a motion sensor, an infrared digicam, and a small battery.
The core concept is to utilize fleets of these roaches to conduct search-and-rescue operations in collapsed structures, looking for any signs of life such as motion, body heat, or even elevated CO2 levels from respiration.
The artificial intelligence that recognizes the existence of a survivor is programmed into the digicam immediately. If it believes it has spotted someone, it alerts a rescuer.
Dr. Sato and his colleagues conducted testing in a simulated catastrophe scenario to put this concept to the test. They built a 25-square-meter structure out of concrete blocks of various sizes and shapes.
They then sent the cyber-roaches into this space to put the concept to the test. The software was capable of correctly detecting humans 87 percent of the time, which Dr. Sato believes might be enhanced by collecting a variety of images from various angles.
The project’s next step is to adapt the system for outdoor use. The manufacturing of backpacks and the automation of attaching them to insects would thereafter be marketed. Dr. Sato believes that if all goes well, we will be able to apply the results within the next five years.
To read our blog on “Robot that charges electric vehicles automatically,” click here.
