Singapore Olympics created remote-controlled robots from live cockroaches

Singapore has made a major breakthrough in robotics by transforming live cockroaches into remotely controllable cyber-organisms, according to Zamin.uz.

According to a study published in Nature Communications, these bio-hybrid systems can now move not only on land but also underwater, thanks to specially developed coatings. The development is being hailed as a vivid example of modern technology harmonizing with nature.

A team led by Professor Hirotaka Sato from Nanyang Technological University selected Madagascar hissing cockroaches for the project due to their resilience, long lifespan, and high adaptability to harsh conditions.

The scientists’ main goal was to create a controllable platform capable of conducting search-and-rescue operations in environments inaccessible to conventional robots and hazardous to humans.

The biggest technical challenge was that cockroaches cannot survive underwater for extended periods.

To solve this, engineers developed small modules using 3D printing that seal the insects’ spiracles. Unlike simple oxygen tanks, this system relies on a special chemical reaction.

A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and manganese dioxide decomposes to deliver pure oxygen directly to the cockroach’s respiratory system.

Initially, researchers attempted to mount control devices on the insects’ backs in a backpack-like fashion.

However, this approach was found to slow down the cockroaches’ movement. As a result, all microcircuits and power sources were now mounted directly onto the body, tailored to its shape.

This allowed the cyber-organisms to move at high speed both on land and underwater. Experiments showed that the modified cockroaches could remain active underwater for up to three hours.

Importantly, no adverse changes in the insects’ overall condition were observed after the trials.

Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Madagascar, Nature Communications, Zamin.uz