University of Queensland researchers develop cyborg cockroaches for disaster rescue

Researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of New South Wales have developed ‘paraborgs’—cyborg cockroaches designed to provide medical assistance in disaster zones. By equipping the North Queensland giant burrowing cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros) with electrodes, cameras, and miniature auto-injection systems, scientists can remotely direct the insects to survivors trapped in narrow spaces like collapsed buildings or caves.

Unlike previous cyborg insect research that focused solely on searching and locating victims, this study aims to provide active medical aid. In testing, the insects achieved a 95% success rate for delivering injections within 15 centimeters of a target. The navigation and injection process was successfully completed in 72% of trials. The researchers use a pair of insects for these missions: one equipped with video equipment to provide real-time visual feedback, and another carrying the drug-delivery mechanism, which is then manipulated by human operators.