Cyborg cockroaches are being tested to deliver aid under rubble

A team of Australian biorobotics researchers is developing cockroaches that could one day assist rescuers in places too dangerous or narrow for humans to enter. The project involves giant burrowing cockroaches, a species from far north Queensland, fitted with lightweight electronics, cameras and custom-made auto-injection systems. The researchers refer to the insects as “paraborgs.” Their proposed role would be to navigate through rubble, caves or collapsed structures, locate people and deliver emergency medication under human supervision. The work is being conducted by biorobotics researchers at the University of Queensland with biomedical engineers from the University of New South Wales. UQ engineer Thang Vo-Doan said the project aims to move cyborg insects beyond their earlier use as mobile sensors by giving them the potential to provide assistance after finding a person. In proof-of-concept trials, the insects successfully carried out close-range injections in 95% of tests when positioned within 15 centimeters of the target. When navigation and injection were assessed together, the complete task succeeded in 72% of trials. Accurately positioning the cockroach remains a significant engineering problem. PhD candidate Hai Nhan Le said the insect must reach the target, position itself correctly and remain stable while the injection takes place. The medical decisions, according to the research description, would remain under human control. The cockroaches are anaesthetized while electrodes and microchips are fitted. The researchers said that once their harnesses are removed, the insects live for as long as other cockroaches. Fire and Rescue NSW superintendent Tim Hassiotis said the technology could eventually extend the reach of urban search-and-rescue teams if the insects can safely enter inaccessible areas, locate casualties and help provide emergency care. The researchers envision future swarms in which individual cyborg insects perform different tasks. Vo-Doan said the longer-term goal is to see such rescue teams used in real emergencies within five to 10 years, although the reported results are currently based on proof-of-concept testing rather than disaster deployments.