American scientists have harnessed the power of nature by creating cyborg beetles equipped with electronic backpacks that could soon save countless lives in disaster zones where human rescuers cannot reach.
Key Takeaways
- Australian researchers have developed remote-controlled “cyborg beetles” that could help locate people trapped in collapsed buildings or mines
- The beetles are equipped with lightweight electronic backpacks controlled by a video game remote that manipulate their antenna and forewings
- Unlike drones or robots, beetles can navigate small spaces, climb vertical walls, and interact safely with their environment
- This technology could significantly reduce rescue time in disaster scenarios and is expected to be tested in real-life situations within five years
Nature’s Search and Rescue Experts
The team at the University of Queensland has revolutionized disaster response technology by harnessing the capabilities of ordinary darkling beetles as sophisticated search and rescue tools. These cyborg insects, equipped with removable backpacks controlled by a standard video game remote, offer capabilities that far exceed conventional robots or drones when navigating through collapsed structures. Using electrodes to manipulate the beetles’ antenna and forewings, rescuers can guide these natural climbers through rubble to locate survivors in places humans cannot safely access.
“Beetles possess many natural gifts that make them the masters of climbing and manoeuvring in small, complex spaces such as dense rubble, which are difficult for robots to navigate,” says Dr. Thang Vo-Doan from the University of Queensland.
The technology represents a significant advancement over other small-scale robotic solutions. Beetles naturally excel at moving sideways and climbing vertical surfaces, overcoming limitations that have plagued miniature robots. Their biological sensing capabilities and gentle interaction with the environment make them ideal for operating in unstable disaster zones where traditional equipment might cause further collapse or injury.
Advanced Technology in a Tiny Package
The electronic backpacks developed by researchers don’t impair the beetles’ natural abilities or lifespan. During testing, the team used a tethered power supply, but the beetles have demonstrated they can climb while carrying batteries equivalent to their body weight. The collaborative project, involving the University of Queensland, the University of NSW, and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, aims to enhance the beetles with cameras and advanced power systems for more effective navigation through disaster sites.
“While robots at this scale have made strides in locomotion, the transition from horizontal surfaces to walls remains a formidable challenge for them,” explains Lachlan Fitzgerald, one of the researchers on the project.
Real-World Applications
The potential impact of this technology on emergency response cannot be overstated. In disaster scenarios where time is critical, cyborg beetles could significantly reduce the hours or days typically needed to locate survivors. According to the research team, which published their findings in the journal Advanced Science, the goal is to create a comprehensive tool that can navigate chaotic environments, locate trapped individuals, assess injuries, and provide vital information for rescue planning.
“It [the beetle] could be used in search-and-rescue missions as it could go into small nooks and crevices in a collapsed building to locate injured survivors,” states Dr. Thang Vo-Doan.
The technology builds upon previous research, including similar work done in 2016 by Singaporean scientists to control stag beetles and remote-controlled cockroaches developed in 2014 that used microphones to locate trapped individuals. The team plans to test their cyborg beetles in real-life rescue situations within the next five years, potentially creating a new standard in disaster response technology that could save countless lives under President Trump’s commitment to American innovation and emergency preparedness.
“If people have been trapped under an extensive amount of rubble, you want to be able to find them as quickly as possible and start planning how to get them out,” emphasizes Dr. Vo-Doan.
