Cyborg cockroaches get new technology fitted on their bodies, and it focuses on an ultrathin solar cell that helps deliver power to control these bugs to help in different procedures. These superbugs were fitted with technology to control their movement, with electricity helping in giving commands to the cockroaches, with some envisioning it for rescue operations.
Cyborg Cockroaches Get Solar Cells for Power
(Photo : Riken/Ayaka Shida)
Cyborg cockroaches gets a new power backpack that is 50 times more powerful than previous devices, but presents an ultrathin film.
A new study from the RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research in Japan was published in NPJ Flexible Electronic's journal entitled "Integration of body-mounted ultrasoft organic solar cell on cyborg insects with intact mobility."
The research claims that the previous cyborg cockroach development from different institutions in the world is getting an upgrade with its technology.
Its new addition to cyborg cockroaches is ultrathin organic solar cells that have a thickness of 0.004 mm that fits atop the cyborg critters. Researchers mostly focus on fitting these power backpacks to Madagascar hissing cockroaches, with its species proving to be compatible with the technology.
The new device attached to the cockroaches' nervous systems provides 50 times more power but is significantly thinner compared to previous devices.
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What is the Purpose of the Cyborg Cockroach?
According to CNET, the purpose of cyborg cockroaches is their ability to get into nooks and crannies, as well as tight spaces that humans or search animals may not necessarily reach. It aims to help in monitoring the environment or ecosystem to where the bug is placed, something which researchers may apply for multiple applications.
The new cyber cockroach with the solar cell will get to hold more power for its control of the insect for longer operations and such.
Cyborg Cockroach and Bugs
North Carolina State University researchers were among the first to fit a cybernetic controller for cockroaches and try to control their mobility by making them walk a straight line. Its main function is to send electric impulses to the cockroach's "cerci" using electronic backpacks which would help send the signal it needs.
Since then, it opened up the study on fitting bugs with power backpacks that would help in its control.
The power backpacks bring significant control to these bugs as researchers also use microphones and voices to speak about which direction to take. Initial research looked into using these cyborg cockroaches for disaster relief and helping locate survivors during emergencies like collapsed buildings or an accident on a camping trip in mountains or caves.
Cockroaches are not all gross or dirty, as some of them with modified bodies using cybernetic technology aim to help the public and bring assistance to those that need it. The cyborg cockroaches' latest development sees an ultrathin solar cell attached to their controller, something that would help provide power and be an easier load for the insect.
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Written by Isaiah Richard
