A team at Osaka University has made a breakthrough in controlling “cyborg insects” using light stimuli, opening up new possibilities in hostile environments and surveillance applications.
Until now, controlling this type of insects involved surgical interventions and electrical stimulation that, although functional, ended up affecting the animal’s natural response. The group led by Professor Keisuke Morishima and PhD student Chowdhury M. M. Refat has opted for a different approach: taking advantage of the insects’ negative phototaxis, i.e. their natural tendency to avoid ultraviolet light.
Helmets with UV LEDs adapted to compound vision
To achieve this, the researchers designed a helmet equipped with UV LEDs, calibrated to direct light into the insect’s compound eyes. This visual stimulation generates a controlled change of direction without damaging sensory organs. The device adapts to the 3D morphology of the insect’s head, ensuring precision in light projection. The experiment was performed with a cockroach as a biological model.
The new system, called “bio-intelligent cyborg insect” (BCI), integrates motion and distance sensors, allowing the insect to navigate autonomously even in unstructured terrain. By reducing the need for electrical stimulation, the insect’s lifespan is prolonged and its natural behavior is preserved.
Visual stimulation generates a controlled change of direction. Source: Osaka University
A cyborg cockroach for rescue missions
This innovation has significant practical implications. It is envisioned for use in disaster areas for search efforts or in natural environments for environmental monitoring. By not requiring invasive procedures, it represents a more ethical and efficient option for developing biologically inspired robotic systems.
With this breakthrough, Osaka University lays the foundation for biohybrid robotics. biohybrid robotics where biology and technology are integrated while respecting natural mechanisms. This research marks a transition towards more sustainable and sensitive navigation models for living organisms.
The results were published in the scientific journal Advanced Intelligent Systems.
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Source and photo: Osaka University
