Scientists turning dragonflies into genetically-engineered drones
Draper and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have begun work on creating cybernetic insects using genetic engineering.
Titled DragonflEye, the project involves using optogenetics and miniature electronics to turn small insects including dragonflies and bees into remote-controlled drones.
Cybernetic drones have been created before, but DragonflEye will have advanced capabilities such as an on-board guidance system.
“DragonflEye is a totally new kind of micro-aerial vehicle that’s smaller, lighter, and stealthier than anything else that’s man-made,” said Draper engineer Jesse Wheeler.
“This system pushes the boundaries of energy harvesting, motion sensing, algorithms, miniaturisation, and optogenetics – all in a system small enough for an insect to wear.”
The dragonfly is controlled via guidance commands sent to special “steering” neuron clusters in the insect’s nerve core.
The potential uses of this technology include payload delivery, reconnaissance, guided pollination, and more.
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