A rechargeable, remote-controllable cyborg cockroach

Researchers have been trying to design cyborg insects—part insect, part machine—to help inspect hazardous areas or monitor the environment. However, for the use of cyborg insects to be practical, handlers must be able to control them remotely for long periods of time.

An international team has engineered a system for creating remote controlled cyborg cockroaches, equipped with a tiny wireless control module that is powered by a rechargeable battery attached to a solar cell. The insects were made to turn left and right using the wireless remote control.

They attached the wireless leg-control module and Lithium polymer battery to the top of the insect, and an ultrathin 0.004 mm thick organic solar cell achieves a power output of 17.2 mW.

Their strategy can be adapted to other insects like beetles, or perhaps even flying insects like cicadas in the future.