Game controller steers cyborg beetles in lab disaster rescue test

Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed cyborg darkling beetles (Zophobas morio) equipped with removable microchip backpacks that enable remote guidance via video game controllers. These “cyborg insects” use electrodes to stimulate the beetle’s antennae or forewings, prompting movement in specific directions, including side-to-side and vertical climbing. The beetles’ natural ability to maneuver through complex, confined spaces such as rubble makes them ideal candidates for search and rescue missions following disasters like building collapses or mine cave-ins, potentially reducing survivor location times from days to hours. The research team, led by Dr. Thang Vo-Doan, emphasizes that these beetles combine biological advantages—such as active footpads and sensing capabilities—with programmable controls that do not affect their lifespan. Although early tests used wired power sources, the beetles have demonstrated the ability to carry batteries as heavy as themselves while climbing. Future developments aim to integrate miniature cameras and compact power systems to enhance the beet