Researchers from Osaka University in Japan have developed a helmet capable of controlling insects and have already put the invention into practice by turning a cockroach into a cyborg.
In the study published in Advanced Intelligent Systems, the scientists detailed the use of a helmet equipped with ultraviolet (UV) light to guide the cockroach, taking advantage of its natural tendency to avoid bright lights (negative phototaxis).
+ Influencer Vanessa Mariposa rushed to hospital after being drugged and robbed at party
The invention differs from traditional cyborg insects, which rely on electrical stimulation and invasive surgeries. According to the researchers, these techniques can damage sensory organs and become less effective over time due to habituation to shocks.
Using the UV light helmet, the “bio-intelligent cyborg insect” (or BCI) was guided left or right simply by directing light toward its eyes, without any direct contact with nerves or muscles.
In tests, the cyborg insects showed no habituation to light stimuli. They successfully escaped maze-like environments with a 94% success rate. In comparison, only 24% of normal cockroaches managed to do the same.
The scientists aim to develop navigation systems for search and rescue operations in disaster areas, as well as use the invention for environmental monitoring and surveillance in small, hard-to-reach places.
“Instead of shutting off the insect’s brain, we are guiding it through its own senses. This makes the system safer, more stable, and more sustainable,” explained Keisuke Morishima, lead researcher of the study.
Photo and video: University of Osaka. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
