Remote controlled Cyborg Beetles

[Crusader]

A Pentagon-sponsored project to control flying insects remotely has sent ripples of excitement across the scientific pond.

Part insect, part machine, the "cyborg beetle" has been tested successfully by its developers at the University of California, Berkeley.

Video footage shows a beetle being "flown" around a room by a man using a laptop.

At one point it is tethered to a transparent plastic plate, and its tiny limbs can be seen twitching in response to the operator's joy stick.

The developers, Michel Maharbiz and Hirotaka Sato, "demonstrated the remote control of insects in free flight via an implantable radio-equipped miniature neural stimulating system", they told the current edition of Frontiers in Neuroscience magazine.

Noel Sharkey, professor of robotics and artificial intelligence at the UK's Sheffield University, says that while attempts to control insects such as cockroaches are not new, this is the first time man has managed to remotely control a flying insect.

What intrigues him is the Berkeley project's ultimate military application.

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Very interesting. Imagine a army of insect scouts checking out enemy bunkers...

 

[ph4t3]

Yeesh, what's next?! The next time you thinking of swatting a fly, think again ... you could be interfering with national security.

 

[SerenePhoenix]

Yeesh, what's next?! The next time you thinking of swatting a fly, think again ... you could be interfering with national security.

But at the same time it would justify swatting the fly

 

[Crusader]

Would give a new meaning to the phrase "This room is bugged!".

 

[ph4t3]

Would give a new meaning to the phrase "This room is bugged!".

I lol'd

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Let's get a couple of these critters and send 'em all off to the "closed door meeting" with Vodacom and MTN

 

[Geriatrix]

OK maybe I'm missing something here. But :erm: why do this? Apart from the possible medical benefits this could lead to why make a remote controlled bug?
Wouldn't it actually be easier just to make a tiny flying robot?

 

[Crusader]

Well I think the insects would be easier to produce. And should be cheaper since basically they will only need the control chip and whatever electronics they can add on. To build a little flying robot will be more difficult and much more expensive.

And what could be cooler than assassin scorpions?

 

[Geriatrix]

Well I think the insects would be easier to produce. And should be cheaper since basically they will only need the control chip and whatever electronics they can add on. To build a little flying robot will be more difficult and much more expensive.

Hmmm, maybe. But its sounds like much more intricate and specialised equipment and like one hell of a mission to connect those to insect nerves. Or do they just shove a chip on the top there somewhere?
But hey I'm not into robotics so I'm just guessing here.

And what could be cooler than assassin scorpions?

Sharks. With freakin lazers on their heads!!