How Japan’s Cyborg Cockroaches Are Being Prepped for Crisis Situations

Japanese researchers have developed a cyborg cockroach for search and rescue operations, sparking widespread interest.

The RIKEN Institute in Japan has developed a 2.36-inch-long Madagascar cyborg cockroach that can be remotely controlled and charged via attached solar film and a remote control device in the back. The robot is powered by a solar cell, and its movements, including turning left or right, are controlled by a wireless control module attached to its thorax. The research team developed a thin-film solar cell that can be recharged and connected to the cockroach’s body, enabling continuous power supply. Senior Research Scientist Kenjiro Fukuda at the RIKEN Institute said, “Our goal is to increase the amount of electricity generated by solar cells since wireless communication requires a lot of power.” The researchers hope the cyborg cockroach can be used in disaster recovery, such as searching for survivors trapped in debris or collecting data in dangerous areas. Kenjiro Fukuda described cyborgs as integrations of organisms and machines that are useful for replacing defective body parts and enhancing normal abilities. He mentioned that this technology could be applied to insects like beetles and cicadas. However, the development of cyborg insects has led to controversy, including accusations of animal abuse. PETA, a global animal protection organization, condemned the practice, arguing that attaching electronic devices to cockroaches is against their nature. It ignores their will, emphasizing that cockroaches, like all creatures, experience pain, and their lives should be respected. In response to the controversy regarding animal abuse, the researchers explained that the remote control devices attached to the insects are detachable, and those not involved in experiments are kept in a glass cage where they can rest.