Biorobotics engineers are developing six-legged cyborg insects, known as "paraborgs," equipped with cameras and miniature medical injectors for search and rescue operations. These insects are intended to deliver emergency aid to individuals trapped in collapsed buildings, caves, or other hazardous locations inaccessible to human rescuers.
The University of Queensland biorobotics researchers, in collaboration with biomedical engineers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), developed these cyborg insects. The research involved fitting giant burrowing cockroaches (Macropanesthia rhinoceros) with lightweight electronics, cameras, and remotely activated auto-injection systems.
According to UQ biorobotics engineer Thang Vo-Doan, the aim is to transform cyborg insects from mobile sensors into tiny first responders, with critical medical decisions remaining under human control. Proof-of-concept testing demonstrated a 95% success rate for close-range injection (within 15cm of the target) and a 72% success rate for the complete navigation-and-injection task.
Fire and Rescue NSW Supt Tim Hassiotis noted that this technology could expand the reach of rescue teams. Vo-Doan expressed a longer-term vision of deploying swarms of specialised cyborg insects, potentially within the next five to 10 years, to assist in real emergencies.