For people trapped under rubble in an earthquake or similar disaster, the arrival of a fleet of cockroaches could one day be the difference between life and death.
Biorobotics engineers have been working on the design of six-legged cyborg insects with cameras and miniature medical injectors for search and rescue missions.
The roaches are designed to deliver emergency aid to people trapped in collapsed buildings, caves or other places too dangerous for rescuers to reach.
The “paraborgs” have been developed by University of Queensland biorobotics researchers, working with biomedical engineers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
UQ biorobotics engineer Thang Vo-Doan said their research transforms the cyborg insect from a mobile sensor into a tiny first responder, while critical medical decisions remain under human control.
“Cyborg insects have been designed for search and explore missions for the past couple of decades,” Vo-Doan said.
“We wanted to take the next step. Once they find someone, can they actually help?”
The research involved fitting a far north Queensland species, the giant burrowing cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros), with lightweight electronics and cameras.
They were also fitted with remotely activated auto-injection systems custom-made for the species.
“Augmenting their natural biomechanics could allow these cyborg insects to deliver timely emergency assistance when direct access to people trapped in narrow, debris-filled spaces isn’t possible,” Vo-Doan said.
In proof-of-concept testing, the paraborgs achieved 95% success with close-range injection (positioned within 15cm of the target).
The complete navigation-and-injection task succeeded in 72% of trials.
PhD candidate Hai Nhan Le said accurate positioning of the paraborgs was one of the key engineering challenges.
“The cyborg insect has to navigate to the target, position itself accurately and remain stable enough to perform the injection,” Le said.
“A lot of people might not like the sight of a giant cockroach scurrying towards them, but if you’re trapped in rubble or stuck in a cave and need help, it could make a real difference between life and death.”
The cockroaches, like the team’s previous cyborg insect models, are anaesthetised during electrode and microchip fitting and live for as long as other cockroaches once the harnesses are removed.
Fire and Rescue NSW Supt Tim Hassiotis said the technology could extend the reach of rescue teams.
“If cyborg insects can safely enter spaces we can’t, locate casualties and ultimately help deliver emergency care, they could become another valuable tool in the future of urban search and rescue,” he said.
Vo-Doan said the longer-term vision was to deploy swarms of specialised cyborg insects, with individuals performing complementary roles.
“Hopefully, within the next five to 10 years, we could see cyborg insect rescue teams deployed to help people in real emergencies,” he said.
