Researchers have now developed a new method to convert the cockroaches into “Cyborg Cockroaches” which involves controlling its nervous system by computer chip.
Recently researchers from North Carolina State have tried a new method wherein a battery operated micro controller is connected into the nervous system of a live cockroach. Scientists built up a small back pack weighing around 3 grams which contained battery operated computer chip which was attached to the back of a cockroach. Then the chip was connected to the brain in such a way that would control the leg movements of the cockroach. The entire system is wireless and the operator can control movements of the cockroach as per their will and wish and the poor insect will not have any say as its nervous system has been hijacked. In their study, researchers found they could make the cockroach move using sensible stimulation of one or both sides of the nerve bundle. Researchers have named this cyborg cockroach as “remotely controlled hybrid robotic system.” The back pack though small is still an additional burden which can be tiresome for the live cockroaches.Full Article