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. 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. 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. Fire and Rescue NSW Supt Tim Hassiotis said the technology could extend the reach of rescue teams. Vo-Doan said the longer-term vision was to deploy swarms of specialised cyborg insects, with individuals performing complementary roles.
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