Reaching people trapped in rubble after an earthquake is incredibly difficult for rescue teams. Now, scientists are preparing to use cyborg cockroaches to reach places that are difficult for humans to reach.
When most people think of a cockroach, they think of a house insect. But now scientists are preparing to use these same cockroaches as tiny rescue workers. Scientists in Australia have created cyborg cockroaches that can reach people trapped in rubble and provide medical assistance.
These cockroaches belong to the Giant Burrowing Cockroach species from North Queensland. They have been fitted with tiny electronic devices, cameras, and a small medical injector. The unique feature is that they can be controlled remotely. Scientists are calling them Paraborgs. Let's learn more about them.
Know how this cyborg cockroach will work?
These cockroaches are fitted with a lightweight electronic system, allowing scientists to control their movement. This means they can be steered to the right or left as needed and directed to specific locations.
These can also be equipped with cameras, allowing rescue teams to remotely monitor where the cockroach has landed and the surrounding conditions. Additionally, some cockroaches have been fitted with a small injection system, a concept test of providing initial medical assistance to a trapped individual if needed.
Test done by reaching within 15 centimeters
Scientists have also tested this system in the lab. During the test, they led the cockroach to a designated location and attempted to deliver the drug to the target via an injection system.
According to the research, injections were successful in 95% of trials when they reached within 15 centimeters. The entire process of navigating the cockroach and injecting it to the correct location was successful in 72% of trials.
Will be useful in case of earthquake and building collapse
The biggest use of this technology could be in places difficult for humans or large robots to reach, such as the debris of a collapsed building after an earthquake, small tunnels, or places too dangerous for rescue teams to enter.
Cockroaches' small size and ability to escape from difficult places on their own could be useful here. Scientists believe that in the future, entire teams of cyborg cockroaches could be created for various tasks. Some cockroaches could carry cameras, some sensors, and some medical equipment.
It is still out of common use
However, this technology is still in the research and testing phase. Many challenges remain, such as signaling, navigation, and pinpointing the cockroaches in realistic conditions like debris.
The scientists' goal right now isn't to replace rescue teams, but rather to develop a new way to reach places humans can't easily reach. If future tests are successful, the cyborg cockroach could become a small but useful new companion for rescue teams during disasters.
