Cyborg Cockroaches Deliver Remote Emergency Care in Inaccessible Areas

Researchers have developed "Paraborgs", cyborg cockroaches equipped with cameras and miniature medical injectors. These insects are designed to deliver supervised emergency care to individuals trapped in hazardous locations, such as collapsed buildings or caves, which are inaccessible to human rescuers. The University of Queensland biorobotics researchers, working with biomedical engineers at the University of New South Wales, presented this advancement, moving beyond insect-based search missions to active assistance. This research was published in the journal *Advanced Science*.

Credit: BioRobitics

Dr. Thang Vo-Doan, a biorobotics engineer at the University of Queensland, stated that their research redefines the cyborg insect from a simple mobile sensor to a compact rescue platform. He noted that crucial medical decisions continue under human supervision.

And the team aimed to address whether cyborg insects could offer practical help, not just locate individuals. Earlier applications focused on search and explore missions over previous decades, but the current initiative sought to provide tangible aid once a person was found.

The researchers equipped North Queensland giant burrowing cockroaches, *Macropanesthia rhinoceros*, with lightweight electronic components. These included cameras for visual feedback or remotely activated auto-injection systems specifically made for the species.

Dr. Vo-Doan explained that augmenting the cockroaches' natural physical attributes could enable these cyborg insects to provide prompt emergency support. This would be particularly useful when direct entry to people in narrow, debris filled spaces is not possible.

During proof of concept tests conducted at the University of Queensland's School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, the Paraborgs demonstrated 95 per cent success with injections performed at close range, within 15 centimetres of the designated target.

So, the complete process, involving navigation and injection, achieved success in 72 per cent of the trials. Hai Nhan Le, a PhD candidate, identified the precise positioning of the Paraborgs as a principal engineering hurdle.

Mr Le observed that the cyborg insect must navigate to its intended target, position itself accurately, and maintain sufficient stability to administer the injection. He suggested that while the sight of a large cockroach approaching might not be pleasant for some, in situations of entrapment or danger, such assistance could determine survival.

Associate Professor Thanh Nho Do, Director of the UNSW Medical Robotics Lab, commented that the Paraborg technology offers a means to broaden the scope of emergency medicine. He noted the potential to provide treatment to a patient when the patient cannot yet be moved to receive it.

And the long term objective is human supervised intervention, targeted at locations conventional medical equipment cannot reach. Dr. Vo-Doan highlighted that the research showcases the UQ Biorobotics Lab's capacity to adapt cyborg technology across diverse insect species.

The team had previously shown cyborg beetles capable of controlled climbing. The larger cockroaches now offer increased capacity to carry specialised rescue and medical equipment. This approach suggests that instead of building one robot for all tasks, the natural capabilities of different insects can be utilised, equipping them for distinct missions.

But the welfare of the insects remained a consideration. The cockroaches, consistent with earlier cyborg insect models developed by the team, undergo anaesthesia during the attachment of electrodes and microchips. They continue to live for the normal lifespan of other cockroaches once the harnesses are taken off.

Superintendent Tim Hassiotis, manager of natural disaster and humanitarian operations at Fire and Rescue NSW, observed that this technology could extend the operational reach of rescue teams. He stated that if cyborg insects could safely enter inaccessible areas, locate casualties, and assist in delivering emergency care, they might become a valuable asset for future urban search and rescue operations.

Dr. Vo-Doan outlined a longer term plan for deploying swarms of specialised cyborg insects, with each individual performing a specific task. Some could carry cameras and environmental sensors, he explained, while others could transport specialised emergency or medical equipment.

He clarified that the intention is not to supersede first responders, but to offer an additional method for them to observe, access, and potentially help people when direct entry is not feasible. The expectation is that within the next five to ten years, cyborg insect rescue teams might be deployed in real emergencies, subject to adequate resources for research and field testing.

* Cyborg cockroaches, termed "Paraborgs", are developed for emergency medical delivery in inaccessible areas.

* The insects can carry cameras for visual feedback and remotely activated auto-injection systems.

* Proof of concept tests showed a 95 per cent success rate for close range injections and 72 per cent for full navigation and injection tasks.

* The technology aims to augment, not replace, human first responders, offering a new method for aid delivery. Source: TechXplore