Robo-Roaches named ‘Biobots’ to Carry Out Search & Rescue. Researchers are making biobots out of cockroaches. These biobots are designed to hunt out survivors at disaster sites.
Insects generally get a bad press, and are blamed for countless illnesses, as well as infesting our homes and businesses. Their reputation could be improved however, as researchers have been working on so called ‘buibots’. Tiny representations of insects that could be put to task in a number of areas.
One such useful task could be in disaster zones or in areas with impending food crisis – they may actually save human lives.
One example might be a crawling insect who could survey a disaster area and assist rescue teams in their efforts. The possibilities are really boundless when you start to consider flying insects as well.
“Right now, the concept and the technology is already mature, we’re working on the implementation.”
Hong Liang
Dr. Hong Liang has stated that in her research work there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’, however, she prefers discoid roaches, as these are lower maintenance. These kinds of roaches are also easy to obtain and relatively low maintenance.
To create the cockroaches, the researchers use electrodes, inserted into nerve clusters. The roach can then be controlled remotely. Whilst it may seem somewhat cruel, the value and potentially life-saving impact the technology could have are interesting.